European Researchers' Night at LSIWC Attracts Record Number of Visitors
On September 25, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) opened its doors to visitors of the European Researchers' Night, offering a chance to discover what happens behind the doors of its laboratories through demonstrations, experiments and conversations with researchers. This year, 405 people visited the Institute – the highest number of European Researchers' Night visitors LSIWC has welcomed to date.
A Glimpse into Laboratory Work
During European Researchers' Night, visitors had the opportunity to discover a range of processes taking place in LSIWC laboratories. They could see how polyurethane foams and paper are produced, learn more about the potential uses of birch, and explore mycelium-based biocomposites. Visitors could also examine extracts from different types of biomass and try to identify them by smell.
They could also explore innovative biomass panels developed as part of research projects, learn what prebiotics are and even taste them. The structure of wood could be examined under a microscope, offering a closer look at wood on a completely different scale.
Visitors could also learn about microorganism cultivation, see a five-litre bioreactor and find out more about the research projects carried out by LSIWC researchers.
The Foaming Station of the Polymer Laboratory attracted particularly strong interest, with the longest queue of the evening. There, visitors could observe the production of polyurethane foams and learn how tall oil – a by-product of cellulose production – and other feedstocks can be used in the process.
How Much Can a Wood Sample Tell Us?
European Researchers' Night visitors could also look at wood from a different perspective. Through various activities, they could identify tree species and growth rings, as well as recognise different wood samples used in construction materials.
It was an opportunity to explore wood firsthand and discover how much information can be found by taking a closer look at what may seem like an ordinary wood sample.
Exploring the World of Bees
Visitors could also discover the world of bees. In the “Hive Detective” game, they had to find out who is a friend, thief, neighbour, enemy or liar to the bees, while the most successful detectives had a chance to receive a special jar of LSIWC honey.
Visitors could examine different types of honeycomb up close and learn why their cells can vary. Researchers also explained why sensors and scales are used in beehives and what they can help researchers learn.
Science Together with Our Partners
LSIWC’s partners, Latvian State Forests and Association “Latvijas Koks”, also took part in European Researchers' Night.
At the Latvian State Forests stand, visitors were welcomed by Cūkmens and could take part in various activities related to forests and nature, including testing soil acidity.
Meanwhile, Association “Latvijas Koks” invited visitors to construct a model by Kārlis Johansons and test its strength in a breaking experiment using the “Lietkoku čemodāns.”
European Researchers' Night offered visitors an opportunity to see what happens behind the doors of LSIWC laboratories and to get involved themselves – by experimenting, exploring, observing and asking questions.
Thank you to all 405 visitors for your interest and for spending the evening with us!
