How did Greenland come into being? What can the rocks tell us about the country’s history? Which minerals and rocks are found locally, and how might they be used, for example, in arts and crafts, jewellery, tourism and other local contexts? And what does the geoscientific research being carried out in Greenland mean for the people who live there?
These are some of the discussions that geologist Majken Djurhuus Poulsen will be helping to create more space for in future.
Majken Djurhuus Poulsen is taking up a new role at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), with responsibility for research communication in Greenland. The aim is to make geoscientific research more accessible to people in Greenland through local dialogue and communication that is based on their questions and needs.
“I love communicating geology. One of the best things about it is meeting people – sensing their curiosity, hearing their questions and seeing the joy on their faces when something suddenly clicks. In my new role, I’ll have the opportunity to use my expertise to bring geoscience closer to the people of Greenland. For me, outreach isn’t just about talking about the research we do, but also about listening and bringing local questions, experiences and perspectives back to the research communities. My Greenlandic background and my knowledge of the language and society give me a good starting point for that dialogue,” says Majken Djurhuus Poulsen.
Majken Djurhuus Poulsen continues to conduct geoscientific research alongside her role in public engagement.
Ready for local dialogue
Majken Djurhuus Poulsen will be spending time and travelling regularly in Greenland, not only to the larger towns but also to smaller towns and villages.
Among other things, she will give presentations, take part in public meetings and events, and seek to establish partnerships with local stakeholders, educational institutions and public authorities.
The aim is not merely to talk about the research. The dialogue is a two-way process. In this way, experiences, questions and perspectives from members of the public and local partners can be brought back to the research communities at GEUS and help to enhance the quality of research communication. Among other things, this should contribute to developing the way in which local dialogue and communication are integrated into research projects.
“At GEUS, we want to make geoscientific knowledge and research more accessible to the people of Greenland. It is not just about telling people what we know, but also about listening to the questions, perspectives and knowledge that exist locally, and incorporating them into our work. Majken will play an important role in this,” says Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of GEUS.
Majken Djurhuus Poulsen is herself Greenlandic and holds a PhD in geology, but as her studies in geology were primarily conducted in Danish and English, more specialised geoscientific communication in Greenlandic may require the support of professional interpreters and translators to ensure that important nuances are not lost.
Majken Djurhuus Poulsen will be based at GEUS’ head office in Copenhagen, Denmark, but the role involves travel and regular visits to Greenland. She will work closely with GEUS’ office in Nuuk, as well as with researchers and project managers across GEUS.