Scientifica: Scientific facts fascinate the audience
The Scientifica of the University and ETH Zurich has shown: Talk sessions, short lectures and exhibition stands were very well attended for two days. Between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors received scientific facts directly from the experts over the weekend.
"Science Fiction - Science Facts - Scientifica": Under this motto, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich looked into the future at their Science Days - because what sounds like fiction today could perhaps be commonplace tomorrow. Between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors took the opportunity at "Scientifica" to get answers directly from researchers to questions such as:
Will it someday be possible to grow food on Mars or produce fuel from sunlight and air? Is a quantum computer possible? Will surgeons wear augmented reality glasses during surgery?
At over 50 stands, in 34 short lectures and at various shows, around 400 scientists presented their research in lively discussions, with interactive experiments or as a science slam. The Science Cafés were also popular - a particularly suitable format for tackling topics that are currently the subject of intense public debate.
Participants with very different views debated with the audience about "The curse or blessing of gene modification", "Artificial intelligence in everyday life" or the "Communication of scientific facts in times of fake news".
Solid facts as a basis for discussion
Michael Schaepman, Prorector Research at UZH, explains what the basis for good discussions is: "In controversial social and political discussions, one should rely on solid findings and not on conjecture. Universities such as ETH and UZH provide such fundamental scientific data and facts." The Prorector also notes: "In times of fake news, it is particularly important that we contribute to the public debate with our research, identify trends and point out possible consequences - for example at Scientifica."
The aim of the Zurich Science Days is for researchers to come into direct contact with the general public. "With Scientifica, we can present our basic research in an attractive way and thus make it accessible to everyone. In this way, we can convey to the population the importance of the two universities - not only for society, but also for the economy. One example of this is the several spin-offs and start-ups represented at the sixth Scientifica - this shows how knowledge transfer works", says Detlef Günther, Vice President Research and Corporate Relations at ETH Zurich.
From alien dental clinic to genetic engineering podium
The 13 workshops were also fully booked: Here, for example, experts demonstrated survival strategies in earthquakes, addressed the fairer distribution of groundwater in times of drought, or demonstrated the power of thought. Children were able to attend astronaut training sessions and alien dental clinics or immerse themselves in the nano world. This year, for the first time, those interested got in the mood for "Scientifica" in advance: The "Kosmos" cinema showed science fiction classics to a packed audience, with commentary by experts from UZH and ETH.
The University and ETH Zurich are planning to hold the Zurich Science Days "Scientifica" again on 4 and 5 September 2021.
