The European Researchers’ Night is a Europe-wide public event, which displays the diversity of science and its impact on citizens’ daily lives in fun, inspiring ways. This year it was held concurrently at three locations in Lisbon: MUHNAC, Pavilion of Knowledge, and Champalimaud Foundation. The event featured discussions, music, dance, and stand-up comedy performances in addition to the display of science projects.
ISR-Lisboa researchers were present at the space in Jardim do Príncipe Real, associated with the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon, right next to another LARSyS research institute, Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI). “Do you want to operate the robot?” was one of the phrases most heard that evening, usually said to kids. But the public of this outreach activity is as diverse as they come, from families that went specifically to participate to surprised passersby who had never heard of it.
“I really enjoy doing this, I’m staying for a couple more hours”, says Margarida, referring to the interactions about her research. She was one of the students from project MEROP, supervised by Professor Rodrigo Ventura, who represented ISR this evening. The team has been in outreach activities before, as part of their preparation for AMADEE-24, an analog mission to Mars.
Instituto Superior Técnico had a diverse showcase of projects and we were happy to participate with a diverse team ourselves. “We wanted to honor a woman in science by naming our robot KayJay”, PhD student Rute Luz explained. Katherine Johnson (KayJay) was a mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics at NASA were critical to the success of spaceflights. Nowadays, the MEROP team aims to improve the efficiency of planetary exploration while using a teleoperated rover.
Until next year, when they might be literally under the stars at another European Researchers Night, the MEROP team will continue working hard to reach them.
