Researchers’ Night

Welcome to the Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu!
The greenhouses, Romeo and Juliet, are open to the public. The experts from the Botanical Garden will be on hand to answer questions. Botanical Garden, Kaitoväylä 5.

The bug academy
Come and meet little bugs and great researchers! The bug academy will teach you about the lives of creepy-crawlies and insect research. Would you like to see the different development stages of ants, butterflies as a pupae, or bumblebees having a ball in the hall? How do you study the behaviour, ecology, genome and evolution of insects? Meet researcher and live bugs: bumble bees, ants and butterflies, and drop by the bug-drawing point to do some art! Science Garden, multifunctional space Sara, Kaitoväylä 5.

Visit a beehive!
Come and see what life is like inside a beehive. There will be a glass-walled hive, which bees live inside normally. Beekeepers will tell more about it and answer any questions. You can also taste and buy honey made by our bees. You can find us in the lobby of the botanical gardens. Botanical Garden, Kaitoväylä 5

Potnapekka transports the public free of charge between campus (main entrance 2T) and Botanical Garden non-stop from 5pm to 9pm.

Koneenkatu, near 2T entrance:

Robotics Workshop
In the robotics workshop, “James” and “Jeeves” serve visitors refreshments (juice and mineral water). James and Jeeves are cooperative robotic arms. In the robotics workshop, you can try out the programming of the robot yourself and see how robotics gets closer to people! AT127 (open until 8 pm)

Digital Manufacturing at Fab Lab
Come and discover Fab Lab, a digital manufacturing workshop. Laser cut a small object to go with you. See how the 3D printer and other computer-controlled devices work. Encode the Internet of Things (IOT) and make yourself a reflector. Imagination is the limit. FabLab, on Koneenkatu near the 2T entrance

Energy from the atom – Use nuclear powerplant simulator. Ask anything from nuclear energy experts!
Approximately one third of the electricity produced in Finland comes from nuclear energy, but where does nuclear energy actually come from? How do we harness such energy and transform it in electrical energy? How does a nuclear power reactor work? Researchers from the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group will present the working principles behind the nuclear energy production and technology. Guests at the researchers' night will be able to familiarize themselves with nuclear power plant simulator programs and get better informed about what is happening at the nuclear plant and how uranium cracks. Guided sessions will start at 17.30, 18.30 and 19.30. Guidance both in English and Finnish. AT122, on Koneenkatu near the 2T entrance

Meet the bones
Come join us to learn about human and animal bones. In archaeological research bones can tell us a lot of things about past people and animals. From human bones (plastic casts) you can see how to separate males from females and test for yourself how easy sex estimation is. You will also learn how to identify smaller bones and learn their location in the body. Animal bone stations will give you the opportunity to compare the bones of different species to see similarities and differences. You will also be able to see examples of different types of pathological changes in bones. For all ages. AT115B, Koneenkatu near the 2T entrance

Tellus:

Could I become a doctor?
What would it be like being an academic doctor? What does a doctor do for a living? Why does the doctor have a sword, and what does the doctor's hat conceal inside? Come meet the doctor with his hat and sword to Tellus and hear how you can become a doctor too. A surprise for participants! Doctor’s interview is in Finnish and starts at 17.20. Tellus lobby lounge at 5.20 pm

Icy adventures - Studies and stories about expeditions, rivers in the sky, kind reindeers, and more
Arctic research videos on Tellus Avenue: Professor Jeff Welker knows the Arctic throughout as he has been studying its various topics for decades. In his short, scenery videos, we will learn about Svalbard reindeers eating popsicle-like grasses nowadays, the hunt of rivers in the sky, as well as permafrost thaw effects and what the future holds for the Arctic. Tellus lobby lounge at 6 - 8 pm

Might we shine in darkness? The secrets of photoluminescence chemical reactions
In this workshop, you will observe some liquids showing light in darkness. Is it possible? Then come and join the fascinating world of the photoluminescence chemical reactions. Since you will learn what happens in this process “Chemical Reactions that produce light”. Moreover, if you are interested in computers, this workshop will show you the potential of computers in science to enlight this light production process. The workshop can accommodate max 15 persons at the same time, and several representations will be done throughout the evening. The duration of the workshop is 15-20 min. Between the workshops you will have the possibility to ask researchers about the fascinating world of research. Tellus Aspire

Energy from the sun — from sunlight to electricity
How do solar panels work? How snow, cloudiness and other factors affect energy generation by solar panels? Is it worthwhile to have solar panels in the North, does it generate energy year-round? Researchers from the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group will present the function of solar panels to those interested in the issue. Tellus Horizon

AI in black box
The workshop will explore artificial intelligence (AI) using machine learning and the classifier. Together with the researchers from the GenAI project, participants can try out the classifier app. Come to the workshop to experiment and learn! Tellus Galaxy

Microelectronics for energy and biomedical applications
Perhaps we don’t see them, but microelectronics are everywhere in our daily life. They not only mean electronics in computers, phones and smart devices, but also work as sensing components and power units that enable key functions of products from industries such as automotive, medical, and energy. In this workshop, researchers from the Microelectronics Research Unit demonstrate the use of microelectronics in supercapacitors and organ-on-a-chip platforms. Supercapacitors are essential energy storage components in both small electronics and large machines. Organ-on-a-chip platforms are the enabling technology for next-generation biomedical and pharmaceutical research. Tellus Backstage (6 - 8 pm)

Biobank Borealis – better health through research
Biobank studies are used to develop better treatments and diagnostics for illnesses. Come to learn about the biobank and the methods and daily grind of research. Take part in the Guess what? microscope competition and pipetting challenge! Tellus Frost Club

Main lobby area:

Glimpses into the kekri tradition
At the library point you can learn about the kekri tradition. Kekri is a traditional Finnish autumn celebration. Lots to do for children and adults! You can try casting a spell, make a mask and take part in a quiz.

Living World from Different Perspectives
Have you ever seen what is happening inside a bird’s nest box? How does a wolf skull look like under X-Rays? You can see these and many more images during exhibition of our biology research. Find all images, collect organisms’ names, and receive a puzzle! Start your expedition from the main lobby in front of lecture hall L3.

MathsStop
Maths is so much more than calculations! Come and play games and have fun with mathematical problems. The games are best suited for visitors over 4 years of age. L2

Oulu, city of your dreams!
In the "Resilient City. Urban Planning as Means for Pandemic Prevention (RECIPE)" workshop, you get to express your opinions on how Oulu could be developed through small nudges, so that the urban environment would encourage people of all ages to stay physically active and spend time in the nearby nature. There are two activity points where you have the opportunity to share your favourite places and ideas of making Oulu the city of your dreams. Draw them or locate them on a map! The glass cube at the northern end of the central hall, room KE1002.

Connected by Light
We demonstrate how light can be used to wirelessly connect objects or devices as in the concept of internet of things (IoT). The approach, called light-based IoT (LIoT), is very sustainable as light can also be used to power up wireless devices (e.g., batteryless IoT devices). In the demonstrator, we show that printed electronics can be used to implement the IoT devices. In the future, fully printed sticker-like IoT devices will be produced, resulting in a truly sustainable wireless communication solution. Main Lobby near L1

Ask about energy
Energy prices go up and down. Ask about energy. In the future, where does the electricity and heat come from? Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

Climate and environmental corner
Are you interested in climate action? Would you like to discuss how we can address the climate crisis most effectively? What is the role and importance of the community and individual actions? Come join the conversation and draw your idea of a sustainable future. Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

Test a Formula-car!
Have you always wanted to know what it feels like to sit behind the wheel of a formula-car? Now there is an opportunity when Formula Student Oulu presents its student-designed and executed racing car. The Formula was competed in international engineering competitions held at the F1 circuit in the summer of 2023 in Germany. Formula Student Oulu is an organisation founded in 2013 that combines both technical and business expertise. Technology lobby

Geokatu:

Digital technology from many angles
In the session, you can learn about the development work of smart technology. Find out what would be just right for you: programming, modelling, drafting, inventing new product ideas or testing. In the workshop, you can try for example block programming, 3D modelling, assess AI art, visualize data and interact with a Nao Robot. Suitable for both children and adults. YL124

Entrepreneur workshop for children
Come and set up your own company! The workshop features two activity points where children make plans for their own company and design a logo for it. Each young entrepreneur receives a start-up grant – in chocolate coins. The duration of each activity point is 10 to 15 minutes. M101

Prosessinkatu:

Quantum games
Come and experience the fascinating, albeit strange, world of quantum mechanics by playing games! How do familiar games, such as tic-tac-toe or battleship, work in a quantum world? You can also see a real quantum computer in action! PR101

Biowaste to valuables
Come to see how organic waste can be transformed efficiently to valuable products in an environmentally friendly way. Researchers will demonstrate the char production and you will be able to test water purification using the carbon materials. At the same time, you will learn about the on-going research on biochar in plant production. PR102

Opintokatu:

Magic of Chemistry
Chemistry is strongly present in our everyday life. Thanks to that, we get the bun dough to rise and the clothes to be clean. Chemistry can also be found in food, smartphones, medicines, and water. Even our bodies work thanks to chemistry. Come to the chemistry workshop and get to know the wonders of chemistry! KE1094

Tellus Stage

Into the Ice – science and film making within the guts of the Greenland ice sheet

At 6 pm, the presentation is in English

"Into the Ice" is an award-winning science documentary (now showing on Yle Arena: https://areena.yle.fi/1-50849575). University of Oulu's very own glaciologist - Alun Hubbard takes viewers on a spectacular journey deep into Greenland's melting ice. At Tellus Alun describes how he descended into a record, 180-metre-deep moulin and what he discovered there about how Greenland's ice sheet is moving, melting and driving rising sea-levels.

Professor Alun Hubbard has been working on glaciers and ice sheets across the world from Alaska to Antarctica for over three decades and has featured in many award-winning films and documentaries. He will show some of his latest findings and how model predictions of ice melt fall far short of what he observes from the ice itself.

The following lectures are in Finnish:

Hope-inspiring visions of a circular economy

At 7 pm

Our society is facing huge challenges, of which high emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and species loss are clear examples. The circular economy can offer a more sustainable way to produce and consume, but what does it mean? The speaker will be Päivö Kinnunen, Associate Professor and Director of the InStreams Hub in Oulu, Finland, who coordinates research and development of mineral side streams in Finnish industry.

From military village to Housing Fair area – Archaeological research of Vaakunakylä

At 7.30 pm

During the Second World War, Vaakunakylä in Hietasaari, Oulu, was established as a military village by the German army. After the war, the vacant military barracks became homes for Oulu residents who had been left homeless due to bombings. The area was inhabited until the 1980s, when the city demolished the barracks and transformed the area into a park. With the Housing Fair of 2025, the area will once again be used for residential purposes through the construction of a new housing development. Post-doctoral researchers Marika Hyttinen and Tuuli Matila share insights from the archaeological research conducted by their unit, revealing the artifacts and structures discovered. These findings shed light on the everyday life and experiences of the past communities inhabiting the area, spanning from the wartime era to the 1980s.

Why didn't he realize it? Factors influencing the comprehension of irony

At 8 pm

Irony refers to language where there is a contradiction between what is said and what is meant. For instance, if it's raining sleet horizontally outside and your friend praises the weather as excellent for cycling, he likely means the opposite. Irony is extensively used in human communication across cultural boundaries, even though understanding ironic language is more challenging than literal language. The emergence of an ironic interpretation requires the recipient to consider various factors, such as what constitutes good cycling weather and what the friend's preferences are. Post-doctoral researcher Henri Olkoniemi explains the factors that influence the understanding of irony and what ironical users should consider to be better understood.

Juice bar at 7.30 pm (event in Finnish at 5.30 pm)

Can an ordinary bucket be a revolutionary object? Can waste management be fun? Can bokashi change attitudes towards waste and microbes? And how does bokashi composting help to care for urban soil?

Come and join a workshop and listen to a tiny talk by Veera Kinnunen, author of the recently published Bokashi – Revolution in the Bucket (Bokashi – Vallankumous ämpärissä, Avain 2023), and guidance on the basics of the bokashi method.

Bokashi is a suitable method for every home, where food scraps quickly and easily turn into nutritious soil. Originally developed in Japan, the lactic acid fermentation-based urban composting method has gained immense popularity in Finland and Europe. In her book, Kinnunen argues that making bokashi may have surprising effects: it brings capricious nature to homes and kitchens, while at the same time changing attitudes towards waste and microbes.

Veera Kinnunen is a sociologist who works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oulu in the Biodiverse Anthropocenes research programme. She specialises in environmental sociology of everyday life, housing and waste. In her spare time, she experiments with different methods of leavening and dreams of owning his own garden.

The top rated play "Ortotopologian lopulliset alkeet" tells the story of the late pseudoscientist and associate professor of "orthotopology" Aapo Heikkilä. The free performance will take place in the Researchers' Night in L1 at 6 pm. Cost-free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 5 pm at the Researchers' Night information desk in the main lobby. A limited number of tickets will be available: please collect yours early! Note that the play will be entirely in Finnish.

Starring Mika Nuojua

Duration of the play is 1h 15min. A videographer will be present.

More information about the play (in Finnish)

Julius Rantala is the runner-up in Talent Finland 2021, a skilled performer and multi-instrumentalist with a unique combination of instruments and ability to combine them. The instruments to be heard at the event include handpan, didgeridoo, string drums, shrutibox, asalato, hulusi and bansuri.

Julius will perform at the Researchers' Night at 8 pm at Agora (AT 128 near the 2T entrance), welcome! The concert lasts about 30 minutes.

Read more about Julius Rantala's music (in Finnish)

Cafe Hub in the central lobby serves visitors from 5 to 9 pm, with coffee, refreshments, savoury and sweet pastries and sweets.

The Humus Café is open during the Researchers' Night from 5 to 9 pm.The café, run by the Humanities Guild, is located on the Linnanmaa campus in Geokatu.

Welcome to have a coffee!

Entrance to the event from Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu, main entrance 2T.

At the Oulu Botanical Garden (Kaitoväylä 5) entrance from the main door. Map of the Botanical Gardens (PDF)

Potnapekka minitrain operates free of charge between campus 2T entrance and garden non-stop from 5 to 9 pm.

The bus stop is located on Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu in front of entrance 2T. The bus stop at Linnanmaa's main entrance 2T is called University. Bus schedules on the website of public transport in Oulu.

There is plenty of room for bicycle parking in the area.

Car parking is free and free of charge in the P-area between Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu and Yliopistokatu (P1 and P2) on the day of the event at 4 to 10 pm. Map of Linnanmaa (PDF)

Lost on campus? Download the Oulu Campus Navigator in the Play Store or App Store and you will find all the places for Researchers Night.

Photographing

Photographing and filming is taking place at Researchers’ Night. If you enter the event area, you may be filmed and have your picture taken.

Data protection notice - University of Oulu events

Accessibility

The Linnanmaa campus area of the University of Oulu is very functional in terms of accessibility. In addition, attention has been given to accessibility through various arrangements (see campus map). There is an unobstructed passage through main door 2T to the event. Accessible toilets can be found e.g. near the R entrance.

First aid

The first aid point is located in room PR125 (Prosessinkatu at the northern end of the main lobby).
General emergency number: 112.

Contact information

viestinta@oulu.fi

Communications specialist Meri Rova
meri.rova@oulu.fi
050 464 3361

Welcome to join Researchers' Night in Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, Tähteläntie 62. The programme starts at 6 pm.

During the lectures, you will learn about Nature’s most beautiful colour display, the Northern Lights, in photos and videos. You can ask SGO’s researchers about anything that comes to your mind related to our work.

We will present the operations of Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory as well as the new EISCAT_3D incoherent scatter radar. Weather permitting, you can try to take photos of the night sky yourself with our guidance. The Observatory’s international researchers will present their own recent work in English.

Finnish language programme

At the public lectures in Finnish, you will hear about the new Sodankylä space technology centre and the LappiSat project: a real satellite will be built in Sodankylä. We'll show you what makes the Earth tick and finally about the new EISCAT radar, which is currently being completed in Lappi. International scientists from the Observatory will present their own research in English.

Public lectures in Finnish in the 1st floor lecture hall in the main building of Tähtelä, Polaria.

6 pm - LappiSat Satellite Centre (Jouni Envall)

7 pm - What moves the Earth? - Seismic observations at the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (Hanna Silvennoinen)

8 pm - EISCAT_3D - New incoherent scatter radar in Lapland (Thomas Ulich)

English language programme

In parallel SGO's international researchers will tell about their research work in English, in the upstairs meeting room.

The event is free of charge. Coffee, tea, juice and cake will be served from 5:30 pm.