Education and Outreach is playing an ever increasing role in the world of science. This is also true for our expedition especially with regard to the upcoming International Polar Year. Scientists, which rely on funding from the government, fulfil their obligation towards the general public and funding bodies by communicating their results in an easy and comprehensible manner. More and more scientific organisations such as the "Census of Marine Life" encourage liaisons between art and science. Unfortunately due to great scientific interest it was not possible to give an artist the opportunity to join the expedition. But an unexpected awakening of creativity, imagination, and artistic talent occurred onboard the “Polarstern”. Indeed these are skills that are also of high relevance to a successful scientist. Elaina Jorgensen, a biological oceanographer, drapes octopus, the object of her scientific studies, covered with their own ink or watercolour on paper and fabrics to create prints such as those seen below. These pictures excellently combine marine animals with human intuition, science, and artistic craftsmanship.

Text: Julian Gutt