As part of the Week of the Academy of Sciences the staff of the Institute of Physics present groundbreaking research to students and the curious public. This year was no exception. The opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of scientific experiments and cutting-edge technologies that scientists work with on a daily basis has been taken by 1348 visitors.
"During experiments demonstrated in the laboratories, the popular event offers schools and their students a unique chance to connect and extend the theoretical knowledge gained in classes of physics. Students could experience a chocolate taste test, as well as light crystals, superconductors and controlled nitrogen explosions," says researcher Martin Ledinský, describing the event programme.
Slovanka: Nine fields and expert lectures
Nine research spots at Slovanka presented a wide range of topics in an entertaining way, from the study of microstructures of materials to the use of liquid crystals and biotechnology. The most popular ones included superconductors and superconductivity, ending with a talk by a levitating train.
What also drew a lot of attention was an excursion to the Pierre Auger Observatory's control desk, from where scientists remotely operate telescopes in the Argentine pampas. "We showed the visitors the showers that cosmic particles create in the atmosphere, as well as the equipment with which we are able to observe them," adds Matěj Havelka.
A lecture by Jiří Hejbal provided visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more about collisions that change the world and lead to the Nobel Prize. "I am very pleased with how many people attended the lecture and how many interesting questions were asked," the particle physicist evaluates the event, which will celebrate its 55th anniversary next year.
Cukrovarnická: Walk through history and experiments
In Cukrovarnická, the Saturday programme was focused not only on lovers of physics but also of architecture. It was them that a guided tour of the listed building with elements of geometric Art Nouveau and rondo-cubist details was organised for.
Visitors turned into detectives of the nanoworld and used electron microscopes to observe nanodiamond crystals, but also to see what materials are hidden in solar panels. Jan Batysta explained how LEDs work using diffraction glasses and magic fluorescent socks. "We are pleased with all visitors who are interested in physics and our research. Semiconductors have become an integral part of our civilization, from computer chips to LEDs for everyday lighting to the semiconductor lasers in fibre optic cables that provide us with. Outreach events such as the open days allow us to present the importance of research and new technologies to the general public," says Batysta.
The open days were open to students and the public. Visitors, many of whom were visiting the Institute of Physics for the first time, actively took the opportunity to ask the scientists questions and test their theories. The positive feedback from the visitors confirm that the organisers have contributed to increasing the interest in science among the younger generation, but also the positive perception of the Institute.