BrainFood: Semi-immersive, 360° learning experiences to communicate research on fish cognition, food quality, and climate change

Climate change is reshaping aquatic food webs, altering the dietary quality available to fish and, with it, their cognitive performance, behavior, and fitness. Because wild fish are a critical source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for humans, the ecological and societal relevance of these changes transcends aquatic systems. BrainFood is a science communication initiative that translates the research of the 4FatQs project—on the role of omega-3 PUFAs for cognition in wild fish—into accessible, engaging, and evidence-informed digital learning experiences for broad audiences.

BrainFood deploys a suite of 5 interactive short stories (each ≤5 minutes), built with 360° images and videos hosted in the CenarioVR environment and accessible via web link or QR code on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and optional VR headsets. The stories interlink methods, findings, and implications of 4FatQs through multimodal elements—narrated video, animated gifs, audio overlays, quizzes, and mini-games—allowing non-linear exploration without cognitive overload. Example modules include “A Day in the Life of Trout,” which introduces tracking technologiesto study movement and behavior, and “Hide and Seek!”, a game-based exploration of camouflage and rapid color change in salmonids. Additionally, the stories have a strong focus on how this information was generated – a key element of science literacy. All materials are designed for inclusion and accessibility (high-contrast layouts, dyslexia-friendly fonts, voice-over options, and alternatives for those with hearing impairments).

BrainFood’s originality lies not in technological novelty, but in the strategic integration of: (i) multi-device, low-barrier 360° learning experiences; (ii) targeted deployment through multiplier venues and events; (iii) rigorous, real-time co-creation and optimization; and (iv) explicit alignment with science literacy goals. By foregrounding methods as well as findings, the platform demystifies how aquatic ecologists generate evidence—field observation, mesocosm experiments, laboratory analyses—and reveals cascading links between climate, food quality, cognition, and ecosystem health.

A distinctive feature of BrainFood is its co-creation and evaluation pipeline. The initial pilot set of five stories will be deployed at the Haus der Wildnis visitor center (Lunz am See, Austria) and an additional 10 stories will be created based on the feedback from our pilot users.