Dag van de Wetenschap 2014

On November 23rd 2014, VLIZ celebrated Science Day (Dag van de Wetenschap). For this event, and for the first time, VLIZ opened the doors of its Marine Station Ostend (MSO) and the LifeWatch laboratories for the public at large. Marine scientists demonstrated the variety of (LifeWatch-related) research performed at the station: (1) Make a virtual dive with the underwater robot Genesis to the deep sea; (2) A sip of seawater is full of microscopic life (demonstration of the LifeWatch ZooScan); (3) Meet the lobsters who are living on the artificial reefs in the wind farms at sea; (4) The DNA of the sea (demonstration of the LifeWatch environmental DNA laboratory); (5) Cabinet of curiosities: discover the most eccentric animals living in and on our sea floor; (6) Make a journey through the history of marine stations in the harbor of Ostend; (7) Discover the wide range of equipment that scientists use to take samples at sea; (8) Learn more about the research vessel Simon Stevin; and (9) From beachcomber to marine archeologist, the sea offers treasures for anyone! The event attracted around 800 visitors.