“Science fiction – science facts”: keeping with this motto, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich offered a glimpse into the future during Zurich Science Days – because what sounds like fiction today could become part of everyday life tomorrow. At Scientifica,
20'000 to 30'000
visitors seized the opportunity to get answers directly from researchers in response to questions such as: Will we be able to grow food on Mars or produce fuel from sunlight and air some day? Is a quantum computer a real possibility? Will surgeons ever wear augmented reality glasses during operations?
Around 400 scientists presented their research during stimulating conversations at over 50 booths, 34 short lectures and various shows, which included interactive experiments and a “Science Slam”. The Science Cafés, which are particularly well-suited to addressing hotly debated topics in society, were also popular.
Participants with very different opinions debated with the public on topics that included “Gene modification: a blessing or curse?”, “Artificial intelligence in everyday life”, and “Communicating scientific facts in the age of fake news”.
Sound facts as a basis for discussion
Michael Schaepman, Vice President for Research at UZH, explains the basic foundation needed for productive discourse: “During controversial discussions about society and politics, we should rely on sound knowledge and not on speculation. Universities like ETH and UZH provide this kind of foundational scientific data and facts.” The Vice President also noted that “in the age of fake news, it is particularly important that our research contributes to public discussion, identifies trends, and points out potential consequences – at Scientifica, for instance.”
