Scientifica was a crowd pleaser
The fourth edition of Scientifica was a resounding success: This weekend, 25,000 visitors had the chance to experience research at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich first-hand. True to its theme of light, the science fair in Zurich presented great highlights, spotlights and plenty of enlightenment.
Zurich's two universities illuminated the city as a centre of science over the weekend: the fourth Scientifica recorded 25,000 visitors. With 60 exhibition stands and nearly 40 short lectures at the two main buildings of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, the science fair presented great insights into the broad spectrum of the sciences.
The organisers were very pleased with the positive outcome and great success. “I am tremendously delighted that so many children, young people and adults visited Scientifica and were so fascinated by our research. The team of organisers and scientists put a great deal of effort into making this year's Scientifica a truly unique experience. I would like to thank all participants and visitors on behalf of ETH and the University of Zurich,” says Prof. Detlef Guenther, Vice President Research and Corporate Relations at ETH Zurich. Prof. Christoph Hock, Vice President for Medicine and Science at the University of Zurich, adds: “Scientifica was again an excellent platform for letting the public have a closer look at current scientific topics and informing them about the diversity of our research.”
Science in the spotlight
This year, experts from both universities presented well-established information along with the latest findings on the subject of light. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies, light can be used to transmit data, cure diseases or generate energy. But science also sheds light on the past and illuminates the future. The variety of the topics covered at Scientifica was unsurprisingly broad – from light waves, X-rays and photolysis to motion measurement, dental diagnosis and philosophical light and darkness.
A series of special events pulled in quite a crowd with a flying robot show, laser experiments and a chemistry show. At the Science Café, researchers from both universities discussed various issues such as the opportunities of personalised medicine in the treatment of melanomas, light fetishism and sun worshipers. Entertainment in the form of science with a lighter touch was provided by magic lights, science slams and improvisational theatre. A special programme for families was especially well-received with a wide range of events including a lecture on invisible baby rabbits, a simulator for children to experience the shake of an earthquake, robot workshop and a scavenger hunt along the Scientifica trail around the site.
Opening event
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The presidents of the two universities, Lino Guzzella (ETH Zurich, left) and Michael Hengartner (University of Zurich) welcomed the guests personally. -
Corine Mauch, mayor of Zurich, speaks about the importance of ETH and the University of Zurich for the city. -
At more than 60 stands, the visitors were able to make an attempt in research. (All photos: ETH Zurich / Frank Brüderli)
Scientifica – a crowd pleaser
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Visitors learned how plants absorb and reflect light. -
Also this year, the chemistry show attracted young and old alike. -
The visitors were able to speak directly with the researchers. (All photos: ETH Zurich / Frank Brüderli)
