WPI-iCeMS Scientists Enliven S&T Festival

Young researchers host several hundred area students and residents drawn to the institute's "play hard" booths at event.

June 9, 2010

On June 5, 2010 the Japanese Cabinet Office spearheaded the organization of the first "Science and Technology Festa in Kyoto", part of a campaign to increase public awareness of the government's commitment to science and its investments in technology development. According to the Cabinet Office a total of 5,121 students, local residents, and private and public sector representatives attended the event.

Nearly two dozen young iCeMS scientists participated in an exhibition of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI). They demonstrated concepts central to the iCeMS's cutting-edge research using educational materials and hands-on activities. The iCeMS "play hard" booths alone counted 700 visitor interactions.

Instead of making one-sided presentations, participating researchers were trained to elicit "?s" (questions) from the visitors, drawing them in with games and activities and then engaging them in conversations leading to scientific discussions. Overall, reactions from public were extremely positive, and at times lines formed around the iCeMS booths as people waited to take part in the learning fun.

Observing ES and iPS cells (Nakatsuji Lab).	Making microfibers with a candy machine (Chen Lab).
DNA origami via puzzle making (Sugiyama Lab).	Making molecule houses (Kitagawa Lab).
iCeMS staff who took part in the festival.

Official website of the "2010 Science and Technology Festa in Kyoto" (in Japanese)