TU/e makes science accessible during High Tech Ontdekkingsroute
‘The Atlas building is being transformed into a huge discovery playground.’ So says Elle Abzach, who organises the High Tech Ontdekkingsroute on the TU/e campus. There’s plenty to do on 13 June. Children will be making shampoo in the Magic Lab, the robot team will be in action, and quantum physics will be explained through gaming. This year is particularly special: TU/e is celebrating its 70th anniversary, under the motto ‘Curiosity Connects’.
Elle works as a project manager at the TU/e’s Communications Expertise Centre. The High Tech Ontdekkingsroute is one of her projects. As a partner of Brainport, the university is closely involved with the region and collaborates with businesses and knowledge institutions on research and innovation. ‘We want to show that too,’ says Elle. ‘Just look at everything that’s happening here.’
The day is made possible in part by student teams, researchers, departments and, this year, also by Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Summa College, which are joining in with their own activities. ‘It’s quite an undertaking,’ says Elle. ‘The main challenge is finding people on such a large campus who are enthusiastic and willing to get involved. You don’t do that by sending an email, but by having a cup of coffee,’ she laughs. ‘I also help think about how to make sometimes complex information accessible. That’s why we have a very varied programme again this year.’
From the lab to the football pitch
And it certainly is varied. The programme is structured around four themes: Stunning science, Genius games, Real robots and Though Tech. The AERO student team demonstrates how aircraft can stay in the air longer by swapping batteries mid-flight. Team Daedalus presents the Lapyx 4, a solar-powered drone capable of detecting forest fires in good time. Those who prefer to build things themselves can solder a glowing smiley face onto a circuit board or finish building a solar-powered car and test it on the track. And with Team HART, you’ll discover how a haptic sleeve uses vibrations to transmit information through your body. ‘There’s also a treasure hunt for younger visitors again this year, with a small prize.’
New this year is the AI nurse assistant from e/MTIC, in collaboration with the Catharina Hospital. Special cameras recognise subtle human signals and determine whether something is wrong. ‘I think that’s brilliant,’ says Elle. ‘It shows that technology is also present in healthcare. That you don’t have to be standing behind a machine to be working with technology.’
For everyone
On 13 June, the TU/e campus is very much open to everyone: children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, neighbours, staff and students with their families. Elle saw this reflected in last year’s visitors, when – despite the 32-degree heat – it was wonderfully busy from start to finish. ‘What I love so much is that mix,’ she says. ‘Former students coming back and thinking: wow, how much has changed here. Families enjoying a brilliant day out. And children who are so enthusiastic that you can hardly get them to leave.’
Because that’s what it’s all about, really. ‘A lot of people think science is boring, or complicated, or just for boys,’ says Elle. ‘You can’t start early enough to set that record straight. Who knows, maybe someone visited the Magic lab as a child and is now working in a real lab at TU/e.’
