National Science Week 2010: Presenting the fundamental tools of research

"The national secretariat has selected ‘The Tools of Research’ as the overall theme for this year’s festival, in part to support the large-scale initiative on research infrastructure and scientific equipment that is being implemented in Norway", explains Sidsel Flock Bachmann. “But we also chose this theme because it provides an approach that will appeal to many different groups and types of institutions and organisations – and we are sure it will capture the interest of festivalgoers both large and small.”

The path to knowledge

As in earlier years, researchers will have a chance to communicate the results of their work at the festival. In addition, this year’s overall theme will provide researchers with an arena for entertaining participants with exciting stories about the often all-consuming process that research entails as they traverse the path from idea or question to hypothesis and testing, and, finally, to findings.

By presenting the tools of research and researchers in their element, National Science Week also seeks to motivate children and young people to contemplate the possibility of a research career.

This provides us with the perfect opportunity to open the doors and let the public experience firsthand the types of equipment and methods used and participate in genuine research projects,” says Ms Flock Bachmann.