From Research to Invisible Allies

Invisible Allies was born from a simple challenge: how do we make everyone aware of the invisible world of microbes?

As a microbial ecologist, I study the microscopic organisms that regulate Arctic ecosystems. Although these organisms play essential roles in nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and ecosystem resilience, they are rarely part of public conversations about climate change because some are impossible to see with the naked eye.

During my Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship at the University of Copenhagen, I wanted to address this gap using the u-Arctic project. From the outset, one of the project’s knowledge exploitation (KER) goals was to develop an interactive tool that would translate microbial ecology into an engaging learning experience for audiences beyond academia.

What began as an educational concept has evolved into Invisible Allies (https://theinvisibleallies.com/)—a science communication platform that transforms research into stories, games, educational resources, and interactive experiences inspired by real science.

Every ecosystem, process, and environmental challenge presented through Invisible Allies is grounded in current scientific research and developed in dialogue with researchers. Our goal is to make complex ecological concepts understandable without losing the scientific integrity behind them.

The first Invisible Allies experience, Arctic Bear:The Wetland ecosystem, will launch in October 2026 at Culture Night at the University of Copenhagen. Alongside a board game, visitors will discover The Wetland Field Guide, Meet the Microbes activities, and short educational videos that invite children, families, and educators to explore the hidden world beneath their feet.

Invisible Allies demonstrates how frontier research can be translated into meaningful public engagement. This website will document that process as the platform continues to grow through new collaborations, new ecosystems, and new ways of making the invisible visible.

Nasmille Larke-Mejía Research

Exploring microbes' roles in environmental sustainability.

CONTACT ME:

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info@nasmillelarkemejia.com

Disclaimer: Some images and text on this website, including proofreading, have been created or refined using AI tools. For inquiries or further information, please contact me.