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How to get people excited about cybernetics, mechanics or physics and all in one place? This was the question scientists at the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FAV UWB) asked themselves as they conducted tours through the corridors and laboratories of the seven-story building. The answer is the new Science Lab, a room that brings together the best of six diverse departments and where high school students and the general public can try out many experiments and pieces of equipment for themselves. "The Science Lab serves as a showcase for research activities and student projects. Personally, I like the fact that visitors can actually touch science here and not just read or hear about it," said Jana Varnušková, Vice-Dean for External Relations at FAV UWB. 

In one corner, budding researchers learn from physicists how nanomaterials are developed using plasma technologies. The result is, for example, a coating on window panes that keeps heat out of the building in summer and cold in winter. In another corner, they will find practical demonstrations of artificial intelligence and computer vision, allowing them to try for themselves how sign language can be transcribed into text. The dominant feature of the room is a 3D sandbox, which belongs to the field of geomatics. It is intended for both children and adults, who can use it to learn how to record contour lines on maps and where lava most often begins to flow after a volcanic eruption. One of the most attractive features are holograms of real objects.

"More than two years have passed since the initial idea was conceived until the grand opening. I am glad that we have managed to bring the project to a successful conclusion, and I believe that Vědárna will help us attract new science enthusiasts. The public will be able to visit the Science Lab next year on January 27, during the WB Open Day," said Jana Varnušková. "The Science Lab will help us get more young people excited about our technical and natural science fields. We will be able to present the fields in an engaging way in a dedicated space that will not disrupt teaching or research work," added Miloš Železný, Dean of FAV UWB.

In the coming years, the space will mainly be used for high school excursions, but also as a teaching and lecture room or co-working space for faculty students. In the future, the faculty plans to use the Science Lab as an open lab. Teachers interested in organizing a school excursion, for example as part of geography, physics or robotics lessons, can contact prfav@fav.zcu.cz.