Communicating research and project results beyond an academic community is important for scientists in PROMAC.
“The
project is highly relevant for the development of new seaweed-related economies
in Norway, and we owe the public who is funding us to know what our research is
all about”, says project manager Annelise Chapman in Møreforsking.
“Especially
young people will be important in carrying new discoveries towards technical
innovation in the future. Therefore it is important to involve children and
students and communicate well with them right from the start”.
Students
from Spjelkavik High School in Ålesund have studied the PROMAC project during
their course on ‘Research and Technology’. PROMAC as a prime example of a large
international research project is helping them to understand how research in
Norway works in practice – from getting the funding to implementing the results
towards innovation. The fact that PROMAC connects interesting marine organisms
– seaweeds – with exciting marine biotechnology in the student's ’immediate
neighbourhood is a big plus.
In addition
to studying the project in the classroom, the students joined PROMAC
researchers Annelise Chapman and Pierrick Stévant in the field and lab, where
they were introduced to kelps and other seaweeds in both fresh and dry
condition.
The rainy
weather did not compromise the student’s enthusiasm and curiosity! A second
highlight awaited the group with a visit at Taford Kraftvarme’s waste
incinerator. The company is a PROMAC partner because the excess heat produced
during the summer months may be highly relevant for drying seaweeds at
commercial scales.
“I had no
idea that a waste burner could be so technically advanced!", was one of the
comments from the amazed group.
In
conclusion of their project, the students will now carry out interviews with
some of the PROMAC scientists to be used in the project’s communication. In other
words: A win-win for all!!
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Students from Spjelkavik High School get to know the main seaweed species in the field at Tueneset and are introduced to the lab experiments of Møreforsking at Atlanterhavsparken, Ålesund, 29.04.2016 |
A guided tour of Tafjord Kraftvarme’s waste incinerator is always an exciting new experience. Knut Arve Tafjord explains the company’s strategy, societal responsibilities and why they are engaged in the PROMAC project. |
Click images for full-size view.
Foto credits: Maria Gundersen Zahl/Annelise Chapman
