OIST Science Festival 2023: A Celebration of Science and Technology

OIST’s annual Science Festival was held at its campus on November 11. Each year, the Science Festival consists of a variety of programs that everyone from young children to adults can enjoy. This year, the 13th annual Science Festival featured a total of 10 programs, including a science show, a kid's lecture, and hands-on chemistry experiments with researchers, allowing participants to enjoy the fascination of science, while touring the vast OIST campus. It was the first fully face-to-face Science Festival in four years. With reservations required for the first 1,000 registrations, registration was so successful that the event was full within 10 minutes of the start of registration. 

Nearly 90 research staff, doctoral students, and administrative staff volunteered and welcomed visitors at the venue. 

At OIST Science Festival 2023, around 90 volunteers welcomed 1,000 visitors. 

Materials change so much depending on temperature!  

The Science Festival kicked off with a science show, "Fire and Ice: Exploring Extremes of Temperature!”, by OIST doctoral student Monika Eggenberger. Using balloons and soap bubbles, Monika demonstrated how air, soapy water, and rubber balls change shape and movement depending on temperature, and the children were excited throughout the mysterious experiments.  

“I started getting interested in science when I was about your age," said Monika to the children. “Scientists can pursue anything that is mysterious and interesting to them. If you thought today's experiments were fun, think about becoming a scientist in the future," she told the children while talking about the thrill of being a scientist. 

OIST doctoral student, Monika Eggenberger, presented a thrilling show at the Science Festival 2023, titled "Fire and Ice: Exploring Extremes of Temperature!”.

Do you know what a weevil is?  

Jake Lewis, an OIST researcher who is researching insects, gave a talk on weevils, including Acicnemis ryukyuana, which he discovered in Okinawa Prefecture last year. He explained that weevils eat only plants, that some weevils are as beautiful as jewels, and that more weevil species (about 60,000 in total) have been reported than all bird, fish, and reptile species combined. He also introduced weevils found only in Yanbaru National Park in northern main Okinawa Island and explained the importance of protecting Okinawa's natural environment. In closing, Jake encouraged the audience to "study hard to make your dreams come true”. 

Jake Lewis, an OIST Research Technician, talks about the fascination of weevils. 

The Importance of Wondering  

Participants also took part in a variety of other programs conducted by OIST students and staff, including chemistry experiments, a mysterious experience in which AI image processing switched their faces with those of their friends, and interaction with robots. 

In the "Let's take a look at the glowing E. coli" session, participants were able to experience experiments inside a laboratory. 

The team studying quantum physics used research equipment to catch and show a tiny dust particle floating in the air before their eyes, and demonstrated how graphite, a substance with special properties, mysteriously floats in midair when repelled by a magnet, prompting the children to ask "Why?” It stimulated their curiosity and made them question how this was possible.   

OIST Visiting Research Student Shion Yamada, who volunteered at the booth, said, "I think it is important for the children who visited us today to be interested in why things are the way they are by being exposed to mysterious phenomena. This will lead to an interest in science.” 

A team studying quantum physics caught a tiny dust particle floating in the air.

According to a participant survey, more than 90% of those who responded said that participating in the Science Festival made them feel closer to science. Participants had a great time at the event. One parent said, "I had a wonderful time. My eldest son, who is usually reserved, was so happy and his eyes were shining, and I am so glad that we applied.” Another parent shared, “My 4-year-old daughter had a smile on her face. The program was geared toward children, but we were able to get involved as a parent and child.” Another mentioned, “I had never attended before, but I found myself playing for five hours, including the campus tour and lunch." We also received many other positive comments. 

In the “Let’s do chemistry in the kitchen!” session, participants conducted fun experiments while enjoying conversation with OIST researchers. 

The OIST Science Festival is held to bring the joy of science to the local community, and we plan to hold it again next year. Please look forward to it. 

Click here to view more photographs from Science Festival 2023.