IMDEA Energy inspires scientific vocations from an early age at the European Researchers’ Night
As on every last Friday of September, IMDEA Energy opened its doors to celebrate a new edition of the European Researchers’ Night, an event aimed at bringing science and research closer to society in a practical, engaging and enjoyable way.
This time, the main participants were five-year-old children from Los Naranjos School, who had the opportunity to discover first-hand some of the Institute’s research areas related to energy and sustainability.
Throughout the day, the young explorers became scientists for a day, taking part in a variety of workshops and hands-on activities tailored to their age.
They built rockets from recycled materials, competed in races with light-powered robots and discovered how electricity can be generated by pedalling. They also learned about sustainability by measuring their carbon footprint using balls, extracted DNA from fruit and used the heat of the sun to melt chocolate.
They also had the opportunity to learn how the electricity grid of the future will work and explore some of the challenges involved in integrating renewable energy sources.
Through play, observation and experimentation, the children were introduced to scientific concepts that are part of our everyday lives and discovered how research and clean energy can help us move towards a more sustainable future.
At IMDEA Energy, we thoroughly enjoyed the day, the children’s curiosity and questions and, above all, their enthusiasm for experimenting and discovering.
We would like to thank Los Naranjos School for visiting us and, in particular, all the researchers at IMDEA Energy whose dedication and enthusiasm made this event possible and gave the scientists of the future an opportunity to discover their work.
Science in the face of natural disasters
IMDEA Energy’s participation in the European Researchers’ Night also included the event “Science in the face of natural disasters”, jointly organised by the seven IMDEA Institutes and held at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid. The event brought together researchers from the IMDEA Institutes and members of the Madrid Regional Fire Brigade to show the public how scientific research can help prevent catastrophic situations and mitigate their consequences.
IMDEA Energy was represented by Milan Prodanovic, Head of the Electrical Systems Unit, who took part in the debate to discuss the role of research in developing safer, more flexible and sustainable electricity grids, as well as its importance in ensuring and restoring power supply in adverse situations and following disasters.
David Serrano, Director of IMDEA Energy, also attended the event, representing the Institute at this joint initiative involving all seven IMDEA Institutes.
Through examples involving fires, floods, earthquakes and other events, the activity highlighted the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with the experience of professionals who respond directly to emergency situations.
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