In 2000 Brigadier Nicholls retires as Commander British Forces Falkland Islands and approaches Professor Elaine Shemilt with a proposal to create a research and consultancy unit at the University of Dundee, initially named Project Atlantis and established with funding from Frederik Paulsen. In collaboration with the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) they develop an Online Content Management System for GSGSSI, to raise awareness of the environmental issues that face the island. In recognition of this Elaine Shemilt is awarded a Shackleton Scholarship in 2001.
From 2001-2005 the Project Atlantis team expands to include designers Andy Rice and Steve Ellis and web developer Paul Shafi, who develop the GSGSSI website and undertake various feasibility studies for the island’s environmental protection and industrial heritage.