Course Description
Why Our Science Matters
The “Learning Lounge” features young scientists who, in 20 minutes deliver a presentation that will persuade any curious listener, even those without a scientific background, why their research area — not just the personal research of the speaker — is important to the world.

Dr. Patrick Larpent
“Nano-Pockets to Trap Carbon Dioxide”
The dramatic and continuous increase of carbon dioxide emission responsible of global warming is a major problem for the welfare and future of our planet. The development and easy fabrication of state-of-the-art technologies capable of capturing carbon dioxide efficiently from their emission centers are therefore of crucial needs. Join us to learn about the innovating use of ‘nano-pockets’ towards the realization of such novel molecule capturing systems.

Ms. Wan-Ting Hong
“Zoo from Lorises’ Point of View”
The well-being of zoo animals is now drawing much more attention than before. But how do we know whether animals are satisfied about their environment or not? Let’s look at slow lorises as an example of how well-being of zoo animals are measured quantitatively, in an effort to improve the lives of these small primates whose welfare is often overlooked.

-Researcher’s comment
Animals think, perceive their environment and experience suffering and pleasure as we do. However, while doctors can ask human patients how they feel, we have no idea whether animals are happy, sad or stressed because we do not share a common language with them. Scientists have been trying to establish rigorous scientific methods to measure well-being of animals as pets, in zoos, laboratories, on farms and in the wild.