Taking science out of the laboratory
Bringing our research to the general public through local outreach events and by welcoming visitors in our facilities is an integral part of science dissemination at the Centre.
Hovedinnhold
Bergen is a major hub for marine science, but much of it happens behind closed doors. As a research centre, we believe that engaging with the public is essential and beneficial to both the local community and researchers. By sharing our research and passion for the marine environment, we hope to foster a sense of understanding and appreciation for natural sciences. We also gather valuable feedback and insights from diverse perspectives, enriching our research endeavors and ensuring their relevance and impact on society.
From visiting students to group leaders - everyone at the Centre has been enjoying finding new ways to tell their scientific story, honing their communications skills in the process.
Forskningsdagene
Staff engineer Adriana Alvizu Gomez and postdoctoral researcher Josep Marti-Solans presented their work to the public during Forskningstorget 2024.
Forskningsdagene is a national, annual festival organized by the Research Council of Norway where all research and knowledge-based institutions are invited to present their activities to the public. The festival has been held every year since 1995 and is one of Europe's major national research festivals.
Each year, Forskningsdagene Bergen offers a selection of events such as a science fair, science communication competition and school visits by researchers. The Michael Sars Centre has been participating in the Forskningsdagene science fair since 2013, presenting our model organisms and offering activities to school pupils and visitors of all ages.
One Ocean Week
Members of our research team present animals under the microscope to curious visitors during the One Ocean Week Family Day 2023.
Started in 2023 at the occasion of the return of the oceanographic research vessel Statsraad Lehmkul from a circumnavigation, One Ocean Week offers a meeting place for debate and experiences related to the sustainable use of the ocean.
The One Ocean Week Family Day is a popular event with the public, with local actors of the marine research and industry offering displays and activities for all ages.
Researchers' Night at the Bergen Aquarium
Postdoctoral researcher Anna Ferraioli invites members of the public to try out a puzzle of the comb jelly's anatomy at the Researchers' Night in 2025.
The Researchers' Night (Nattevandring) at Bergen Aquarium invites the public after-hours to observe marine life in the dark and meet local researchers.
The event attracts each year up to 600 ocean enthusiasts of all ages, and is a great platform to raise awareness on the importance of marine research with the general public. The Michael Sars Centre has been participating in the Researchers' Night at Bergen Aquarium since 2024.
Visiting the Centre
Senior research technician Alexandre Jan introduces the ctenophore facility to biology students from the Bergen Cathedral School.
During our laboratory and facility visits, we provide students and school pupils an opportunity to witness marine research up close, igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm for science.
We also welcome local and international researchers, sparking interactions that bring novel perspectives and ideas while encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations.
