Showing science in the best light

Light and enlightenment. These two aspects of science were put in the spotlight by the federal technology institute ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich at this year’s Zurich Science Days. A number of experiments were carried out in public, those watching were invited to get involved and try their hands at some real science. 2015 is the UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture) year of light. As such the two educational institutes promised nothing less than “illuminating conversations and enlightening encounters” with researchers during the visitor event from September 5-6. People came in droves – according to the event organisers’ own figures, 25,000 adults and children headed to Zurich’s university quarter over the course of the two days to find out more about the capabilities of light in research. Special events that were particularly popular included a flying robot demonstration, laser experiments and a chemistry show. (Text: Christian ...