For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Isla de la Cartuja Scientific Research Centre (cicCartuja) will participate in the Science Fair, whose purpose is to promote the dissemination and social communication of science, to energise the teaching of science, to contribute to the development of scientific vocations and to encourage the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit among the participants.
Under the motto “More science, more education, more future”, the three institutes of cicCartuja will present a series of experiments and activities aimed at the general public. Following this year’s motto (Light, Soil and Environment), the Institute of Chemical Research will show the role of Chemistry in reducing the impact of human activities on the environment, with special emphasis on the role of light. The researchers will carry out different actions that illustrate the structure of matter and in which those attending their stand will be able to experiment with crystalline materials, three-dimensional structures generated by colloids and polymeric materials. In addition, experiments will be carried out that give rise to spectacular chemical changes that produce colours or light, as well as experiences that illustrate the human impact on the environment to explain climate change. For its part, the Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis aims to bring its day-to-day work as scientists closer to the public, and at its stand they will try to represent a real laboratory. To do so, they will exhibit scale models of reactors for the cultivation of microalgae, methods of cultivation of photosynthetic organisms and simple extractions of pigments from leaves using chromatography on filter paper. In turn, the Institute of Materials Science of Seville under the motto “Plasma Technology with functional applications” will present several posters in which they will explain plasmas in the kitchen, in nature, and at the ICMS for the preparation and treatment of materials and attendees will be able to carry out experiments to observe the properties of materials treated with plasma.
cicCartuja Award for Future Scientists
A jury made up of four prestigious scientists from cicCartuja will be in charge of awarding a prize of €500 to the best scientific outreach project presented at the stands of the 2015 Seville Science Fair by students from secondary and high school centres, and two second prizes of €250. A cheque for the value of the prize will be presented in the name of the educational centre, for activities and/or educational material for the winning groups, in the opinion of the project coordinators.
In addition, students will be invited to present their projects to cicCartuja scientists and the general public during the Future Scientists Day, which is held during Science Week in November 2015.
