A wonderfully festive atmosphere characterized the annual Festival of Research at DTU with prominent attendants such as HRH Crown Princess Mary and Minister for Higher Education and Science, Sofie Carsten Nielsen—not to mention the thousands of children, youth, and adults who visited both DTU's morning and evening events.
The red carpet was out when HRH Crown Princess Mary arrived at DTU Skylab at 10 a.m. for the official opening of the Day of Research 2015. The Crown Princess was welcomed by Minister for Higher Education and Science Sofie Carsten Nielsen along with DTU Executive Vice President and Provost Henrik Wegener and member of DTU's Board of Representatives Kaj Juul-Pedersen. In addition to participating in the official programme, the Crown Princess also took time to talk to many of DTU's researchers.
And DTU had indeed prepared an ambitious programme for the Day of Research at DTU, which was kicked off with a feast of a morning event for school pupils from sixth grade and upwards as well as high school students. No less than 2,700 inquisitive youngsters from the Municipality of Lyngby-Taarbæk and beyond had decided to pay DTU a visit to check the latest technical research.
Among other things, they had the opportunity to learn about 3D printing and optimal design, about the common mussel, eel, and copepods, experience spectacular physics and chemistry shows, and explore the ‘crystals workshop’.
Festival and confetti
After the official welcome, the Crown Princess visited four of the many exciting stands where DTU's researchers under the themes of Light, Smart Cities, and Healthcare Technologies put the latest research on display. Among other things, the Crown Princess was given a demonstration of a new technology which shows our blood flow in real time. Something which may, for example, reveal any narrowing of the blood vessels, whether the heart valves are working properly, and whether the blood of dialysis patients is cleaned sufficiently.
The Crown Princess was also particularly impressed with the cognitive hearing aid which not only receives audio signals, but also signals from the user's brain and eyes to reinforce the audio sources to which the listener pays attention. In situations where several people are speaking at the same time (e.g. at a cocktail party), the new technology can identify and reinforce the audio sources on which the user tries to focus.
Both the minister and the Crown Princess also found time to visit Matematiktorvet, to the delight of the many young people who participated in the morning event for elementary schools and high schools.
Evening party for all
The venue was again packed in the evening as up to 1,500 people visited DTU to celebrate research. Many of the guests had chosen to bring their children and grandchildren and enjoy their dinner while exploring behind the normally closed doors at DTU Lyngby Campus. Among the many guests were DTU alumni, curious citizens from near and far, DTU staff, and students.