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From melting ice to rotating hurricanes: Research and enthusiasm at Festplassen

At the end of September, Festplassen in Bergen was transformed into a science fair, where 26 research institutions in Bergen invited visitors of all ages to gain insight into various research areas. The Nansen Center participated with a stand where researchers could demonstrate exciting science through their installations.

The annual event gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about research in an interactive and fun way.

At the Nansen Center stand, visitors were able to experience our interactive globe, which shows the conditions at the North Pole. Here, visitors could see simulations of the changes in the distribution of sea ice that have occurred in the Arctic in recent decades. The globe also shows wind patterns in the Arctic, which are influenced by global atmospheric circulations.

Our second installation demonstrated how we can visualize and understand atmospheric circulation, climate, and oceanography. The experiment consisted of a rotating water tank, into which coloured liquid was dripped to illustrate the movement of global atmospheric circulations. The resulting patterns resembled weather phenomena such as hurricanes, giving the audience a visual and engaging insight into the complex processes behind different weather patterns.

Communicating research is important for bridging the gap between science and society. By researchers sharing insights and demonstrating the relevance of their work, people gain a better understanding of how research can impact our everyday lives. It’s also rewarding for scientists to communicate research directly to the public – it provides new perspectives and strengthens motivation for further research work.

About the Research Days and the science fair

The research and education environment in Bergen gives children and adults the opportunity to experience, experiment and hear about exciting topics being researched here in the city. Both school classes and Bergen residents in general are invited. As part of ‘Norway’s research festival’, the Research Days organised by the Research Council of Norway, the science fair is held annually in several locations across the country. Read more about it here. 

Shuang Gao about the science fair

Shuang Gao is one of the researchers who attended the science fair. She summarizes the experience as follows: “I was quite nervous at the beginning, as it was the first time I had to explain science to children in Norwegian. It presented several challenges, but seeing them engage, try things out on their own and say: ‘Oh, that was interesting. Thanks,’ made it all worthwhile. Communication is such an important part of our work as researchers, and this experience taught me a lot. I really enjoyed myself.”