The Secret Life of Computer Scientists
Would you like to know how you can embark on the arduous journey of creating the next world-changing app? Are you interested in how we deal with client requests that suggest „all it takes is one field, it'll be done in 5 minutes”? Do you want to know the things that real programmers hate? Then this talk is for you, discover the secret life of IT professionals! The talk will be delivered by the general [...]
Just in case – are human-machine relationships, virtual environments, and digital-virtual realities safe?
Our everyday lives are very much digitalised, including learning, entertainment, gaming, social programmes, official business, banking and much more. In this presentation, we will look at how safe these digital worlds, virtual worlds, are and where the pitfalls are, what we need to look out for in order to [...]
Virtual Reality and its Applications
The human imagination is always captivated by the possibility to try something that would otherwise be dangerous or only possible in an environment that is not available under normal circumstances (e.g. skydiving, driving a racing car, trying on the latest fashion models without going to the shops, etc.) This presentation will explore the key features of virtual reality technology and see if [...]
Clay mineral nanotubes, or the kaolinite strudel wants to twist
How to produce nanoclusters (1D) and nanoparticles (0D) from a sheet-like kaolinite clay aggregate? What methods can be used to separate kaolinite sheets and why do they coil up? The presentation will cover the potential applications of kaolinite nanorods and the methods to study them. The lecture is primarily aimed at secondary school students.
-196°C – Experiments with liquid nitrogen
Nitrogen, which makes up more than 78% of the air, is colourless, odourless and dull. In contrast, extremely cold liquid nitrogen - minus 196°C - can be used to perform more and more interesting experiments. In this lecture, we will observe how ordinary materials behave at such low temperatures, produce liquid oxygen and build a nitrogen-powered rocket. The lecture is suitable for ages 9 and [...]
Radioactivity
Since their discovery, radioactivity has been researched and used in many different ways. They have been used to generate electricity, to identify and cure diseases, or to look deep into things/objects. Many scientific discoveries, advanced practical applications and positive effects have been discovered, and we use and benefit from them every day. But at the same time we must not forget [...]
My goodness, you're beaming!
We are all surrounded by radioactive substances and ionising radiation of natural and/or artificial origin. Ducik at a disadvantage, i.e. how much radiation is our friend exposed to? How much radiation do we get on a plane trip? Where do we go on a date, is the radiation higher outdoors or indoors, does all building material emit radiation? Radon is responsible for more than half of all radiation exposure, yet many people rely on its healing properties. Elixir in spas, bogey in the home? Why are [...]
When the liquid obeys the command – Applications of electro- and magnetorheological materials
Electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) materials are fluids with special properties that can change their properties under the influence of an external electric or magnetic field. These fluids have now developed numerous applications in modern engineering. They are used in a controllable way, for example, in automobile shock absorbers, to damp vibrations in washing machines, to reduce the vibration of stepping motors, to transfer torque in brakes and clutches, or even in the field of medicine.
The Alchemist Kobold's Day – Spectacular Chemical Experiments
Wake up (at 5 o'clock) :-)! Milk, coffee or vanilla milk for breakfast? In the morning rush hour, the traffic lights are out of order and the policeman even gives our little leprechaun a hard time :-). So he has to take a lift to work, where he makes colour-changing tights! He is very tired at work, and can't wait for the horn to sound to signal that he's done. By lunch [...]
Cinderella Project: The Miracle of Fairy Tales in the Service of Humanity
Divorce lawyer? A linguist? An expert on weaning piglets? The lecture will talk about what a weaning scientist does and what it has to do with Cinderella, the pharmaceutical industry, criminology and modern biology. We'll even take a peek into the solar system. And all in 45 minutes. The lecture is recommended for high school students.