EXPERIENCE RESEARCH UP CLOSE

The nationwide Long Night of Research campaign takes place every two years. 270 exhibition locations across Austria, including in the Tyrolean lowlands in Kufstein at the University of Applied Sciences, provided free insights into areas that otherwise remain hidden: technological innovations and new research results from the degree programs to touch. The impressive program of the FH Kufstein Tirol delighted children, young people and adults with its interactive stations. Age-appropriate experiments and exciting lectures transformed the Kufstein campus into an interactive laboratory for young researchers from 4 to 9 pm.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS TO TRY OUT FOR YOURSELF

The Virtual Reality (VR) station offered visitors the opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into the future of learning in the workplace. In a world where employees need to continuously learn new skills to remain competitive, VR learning models are a fast and effective option to acquire new skills / competencies - regardless of time and place.

At the station, participants had the opportunity to use VR goggles to learn how to operate a complex machine. At a station in the event hall, visitors were also able to observe the technology used in a laser engraving machine. By collecting light through a lens and focusing it on a single point, a wide variety of materials can be engraved. By increasing the power and speed, even building materials such as plywood and acrylic glass can be cut - extensively tested by the curious young researchers themselves.

The creative side of 3D drawing could be explored at a station in the Makers Lab at the University of Applied Sciences. The guests had the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and create impressive works of art from plastic. Whether with templates or freely - there were no limits to the imagination. From flowers and butterflies to their favorite stuffed animal, the explorers drew three-dimensional pictures with a kind of pen. 

HANDS-ON ATTRACTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Some of the 43 stations were specially designed for children and were very popular with this target group. The boys and girls were able to find out how colorful our food is at the station of the Bundesgymnasium/Bundesrealgymnasium Kufstein (BGBRG). All foods have a certain pH value, which can be displayed with the help of various natural dyes. The colorful results impressed young and old researchers alike.

Chemiluminescence is a rare but impressive phenomenon that is mainly known from glow sticks. The BGBRG chemistry Olympians presented this experiment and were amazed.

The youngsters received a researcher's passport for all the stations - one point was awarded on the stamp card for each successfully completed experiment. Anyone who managed to complete their researcher pass and visit nine stations received a small gift from the university. Over 500 researcher passports passed into the hands of children on the day: An indicator that the event was met with great enthusiasm by the visitors.

SUPPORT FROM EXTERNAL PARTNERS

The stations of external partners also contributed significantly to the success of the Long Night of Research. The HLWFW Kufstein impressed with fire shows, while the students of ISK Tirol presented impressive kitchen chemistry. At the Stihl Tirol hands-on station, guests were able to control a robotic mower and learn more about its technology. Sparkasse Kufstein was the main sponsor of this event.

Links:

• Long Night of Research
• Feature on QTV