There is an increasing demand for experts able to recognize and assess geohazards and associated risks, which are increasing due to population changes, infrastructure development and climate change. The aim of this project was to change the way we teach natural sciences to help postgraduate students develop key skills, knowledge and understanding in these areas; develop novel methods of 3D immersive teaching and bring the onshore and offshore environments into the classroom. Firstly this project has produced a number of case studies examples for different types of natural hazards, including landslides, coastal erosion, active tectonics and active volcanism; utilising drone imagery to create a series of virtual reality environments that are realistic and navigable using virtual reality headsets and handsets. It is possible to move around and map within the virtual reality environment and take this back into the real world for subsequent analysis and interpretation. The virtual reality software allows individuals to move around the locality either by walking, flying like a drone or an aeroplane to produce an experience that is as close to reality as possible. In addition to navigating around the environment it is also possible to map features either as points, lines or polygon features and then be exported to external software such as a geographical information system. Secondly the project has produced workflows and software that allow any drone data that has been processed using agisoft software to be converted into a virtual reality model that can be loaded using our software and then navigated using the Oculus headset and handset equipment in full immersive virtual reality. Thirdly, Series of teaching materials and guides has been produced for each of these virtual reality models, allowing them to be used as part of any teaching or learning activities. We have undertaken a pedagogic analysis of the use of virtual reality for teaching geohazards through the use of student surveys and other exercises, To better understand how to integrate this virtual reality approach into standard Class Learning. Finally we have disseminated the results of the project and continue to disseminate through the use of peer-reviewed publications both on the technical and geoscience aspects of the project but also on the pedagogy and teaching learning activities. PLEASE REFER TO REPORTS APPENDED TO THIS REPORT FOR A FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE PROJECT DELIVERABLES.##

Near Fault Observatories (NFO) are natural laboratories undergoing active, and complex geophysical processes at, or in proximity to, densely populated urban areas. NFOs bound relatively small areas and are ideal sites for in-depth monitoring and advanced research. Six NFOs in Europe, have been identified by the European Plate Observing System as long-term Research Infrastructures; three additional NFOs are in observer status. NFOs target the enhanced understanding of the mechanics of earthquakes to unravel the anatomy of complex seismogenic faults. This can only be achieved by the acquisition of continuous, long-term, high-resolution, high-quality, and high-density multidisciplinary data, and the application of consistent, high quality and state-of-the-art data processing. TRANSFORM² has the ambitious goal of improving and transforming the existing NFOs, by integrating cutting-edge methodological and technological solutions, paving the road for the next generation NFOs across Europe. This will be achieved through the development of four ‘concepts’: I) Innovative sensors - new generation of sensors in basic and applied research related to earthquake processes; II) Elevated detectability - novel automatic workflow for enhanced detectability and characterization of earthquakes; III) Early warning - new platforms for supporting decision-makers during earthquake alerts: IV) Test-bed - next generation of accessibility for testing and development of new cutting-edge sensors and algorithms. A focus will be on bringing transformative concepts such as Machine Learning and fiber optic cable sensing to the NFO community. Breakthrough ideas will be explored and addressed with focus on analytical and feasibility control detecting weaknesses and missing elements that will be resolved within the project. Awareness and engagement of stakeholders as well as societal needs will be a priority. Issues concerning NFO funding and sustainability will be addressed.