Sprites, jets and elves, also referred to as "Transient Luminous Events (TLEs)", are phenomena well-suited for educational purposes as well as for public outreach activities. This paper gives an introduction to what is meant by "Education and Public Outreach (EPO)", and emphasizes the usefulness and effectiveness of such activities in scientific projects. In 2002 the "Coupling of Atmospheric Layers (CAL)" research training project was funded by the European Commission to study TLEs. CAL consisted of ten scientific work-packages and two workpackages specifically dedicated to the training and outreach program of the project. CAL is an example and inspiration of how a scientific research project can be a unique opportunity to provide EPO learning activities to both young and senior scientists. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.