Academics and graduates from the University of Plymouth have helped to create a new book designed to educate and inspire young children about offshore renewable energy.
Gaia's Energy Adventure! is written for four to six-year-olds and aims to help them - and those reading with them - understand more about the often complex world of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.
However, its creators also hope it will inspire girls and those from other underrepresented groups to consider a future career in engineering.
The book has been developed by the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub, a £9million project led by the University of Plymouth and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Published by University of Plymouth Press, it is written by MA Publishing graduate Kate Marvelyan, illustrated by BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Lucy Pulleyblank, and features a number of university research facilities and vessels.
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng, Director of the Supergen ORE Hub and Professor of Ocean Engineering at the University of Plymouth, said:
"As part of our equality, diversity, inclusion and outreach work in the Supergen ORE Hub, we are thrilled to be able to launch Gaia's Energy Adventure!. Tackling embedded gender beliefs and stereotypes in engineering and STEM subjects is particularly important in challenging diversity issues, especially from a young age. This book looks to address some of these issues and communicate to a young audience the role of offshore renewable energy in our efforts to tackle climate change."
