International Presence at Lahore Science Melas
Lahore Science Mela 2023
in process
Lahore, Pakistan
28 & 29 October, 2023
K
onya Science Center
Konya Science Center is an engaging and interactive educational institution located in the city of Konya, Turkey. The center features a range of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, covering various scientific disciplines such as physics, biology, astronomy, and more. Two performers led by Dr Havva Kirgiz plan to exhibit at the Lahore Science Mela 2023. Konya Science Center is Turkey’s first science center supported by TÜBİTAK.
Prof. Dr. M. Bilge Demirköz, Turkey
Dr. Bilge Demirköz is Professor of Physics at Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi/Middle East Technical University. She is an astroparticle physicist who is known for her research on space radiation and particles that travel close to the speed of light. Dr Bilge is an accomplished researcher and has been involved in many different fields of research, such as working on ATLAS experiment (testing detectors using cosmic rays) and participating in the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. She also leads the Particle Radiation Tests Creation Laboratory, the first collaboration between Turkey and CERN.
Dr Bilge has been awarded many prizes named L’Oréal-UNESCO International Rising Talent, British Council professional achievement alumni award and was nominated to the Global Young Academy. Dr. Bilge has also been featured in Science Magazine celebration of women in science and was elected to the Young Global Leaders forum. Watch her talk on “Finding Dark Matter in a Whiteout“.
CERN, Switzerland and France
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), which is renowned globally as one of the largest and most esteemed centers for scientific research and the biggest particle physics laboratory, is making his return to Lahore Science Mela 2023.
Joao Pequenao, the Head of Media Lab at CERN, has a remarkable track record of infusing unparalleled energy into the event, whether engaging with attendees inside the LHC tunnels or delivering impactful speeches in the auditorium. His extensive training in particle physics has equipped KSS with the ability to continue CERN’s mission of promoting physics and fostering education and inspiration among the upcoming generation of scientists. Undoubtedly, Joao’s presence has become indispensable for the mela’s completion.
See more about the collaboration between CERN and Lahore Science Mela here.
Divisional Public School, Lahore
29 & 30 October, 2022
Dr. Nidhal Guessoum, UAE and Algeria
We have surpassed the era where the space was just a black canvas for us. It is now time to dive into cosmic explosions!
At the Lahore Science Mela 2022, Dr. Nidhal Guessom, a renowned professor at American University of Sharjah and one of the most celebrated science communicator of the Arab world, spoke about some of the most mindblowing cosmic explosions and phenomenon!
Dr. Nidhal Guessoum is a distinguished astrophysicist and renowned science communicator. With a Ph.D. in Astronomy, he has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the study of gamma-ray bursts, cosmic rays, and black holes. Dr. Guessoum is also widely recognized for his efforts in science outreach, effectively bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and the general public. His engaging style and ability to simplify complex ideas have earned him acclaim as a leading science communicator in the Arab world, inspiring a greater appreciation for the wonders of the universe.
Dr. Joao Pequeno, CERN (Switzerland and France)
At LSM 22, Joao Pequeno (Head of Media Lab, CERN) presented a session on the role of diversity and international cooperation in science, and how scientists at CERN (European Council for Nuclear Research) work together to understand the subatomic world. His talk was titled United We (Under)Stand. He also explained how the Higgs detector work, shed light on some of the most exciting upcoming projects of CERN, and shared about the many Pakistanis doing wonders at CERN!
CERN, located along the Franco–Swiss border, CERN (European Council for Nuclear Research) houses the world’s largest scientific instruments to study the basic building blocks of the universe.
See more about the collaboration between CERN and Lahore Science Mela here.
Institute of BioRobotics of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy
At LSM 22, a team of scientists from the Italian BioRobotics Institute of SSSA put up an engrossing show about bioinspired robotics! This exhibit at the cutting edge of research combined varied field such as botany, technology, art, and innovation. The visual demonstrations of prorotype robots that were eerily similar to animals and plants took all the visitors by surprise, wonder, and lots of inspiration. This television coverage of the exhibit at the Mela encapsulates well the astounding aspect of these demonstrations. Here is an exclusive interview of the team on national television along with an interview on PTV World, the Pakistani state-owned broadcaster
This performance was made possible by the unending support by GrowBot and BRAIR Lab.
Dr Paul Davies, USA
Dr. Paul Davies (Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University) spoke on the Lahore Science Mela 2022 at Auditorium, Divisional Public School. He delved on the important question of Are We Alone in the Universe?
For over sixty years, astronomers have been sweeping the skies with radio telescopes in the hope of detecting a message from an alien civilization. So far, there has been nothing but an eerie silence. So, are humans alone in this vast universe, or are we looking in the wrong way for signs of cosmic company?
Dr. Raja GuhaThakurta, USA
At the Lahore Science Mela 2022, Dr. Raja GuhaThakurta, a professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California Santa Cruz, let the audience peek through the KECK II Telescopes (one of the most powerful telescopes on earth!) and show them how we study dark matter in distant stars and galaxies. Dr Raja is also the face behind Shadow the Scientist (StS) – an initiative bridging the general public with professional astronomy.
See the complete auditorium sessions and workshops for Lahore Science Mela 2022 here.
The list of performers at LSM’22 can be seen here.
Ali Institute of Education, Lahore
12, 13 October, 2019
CERN, Switzerland and France
The LHC Interactive Tunnel made its debut at the Lahore Science Mela 2019 with Joao Pecquino (Head of Media Lab, CERN) also visiting Lahore for the first time and delivering a series of riveting training sessions for the students, volunteers and science demonstrators of Pakistan!
The KSS assembled a team of young men and women from across the country who would be mentored and taught by the expert-in-residence. Joao taught Junaid Saif and his team the particulars of the Tunnel, gave a tour de force workshop on particle physics, the standard model, improvisation theatre and the art of eloquence for public engagement in science. This training has now left KSS with the capacity to carry on CERN’s mission of propagating physics and educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Read about the thrilling experience of the LHC Interactive Tunnel at the 2019 Lahore Sciece Mela!
Ali Institute of Education, Lahore
27,28 January, 2018
Isfahan School of Mathematics, Iran
The Lahore Science Mela 2018 witnessed the participation of Isfahan Mathematics House (IMH) from Iran, which became a notable highlight of the event. A delegation of two mathematicians visited Pakistan, bringing along a collection of engaging mathematical puzzles for children to enjoy. The exhibit held significant importance as it aimed to transform the way mathematics is taught, addressing the common perception of it being a challenging and dry subject. This initiative aimed to make math more enjoyable and less intimidating for students. Among the delegation was Sharareh Dastjerdi, representing the renowned Isfahan Mathematics House. Their presence added value to the event, inspiring young minds and encouraging future mathematical explorations in Lahore and other parts of Pakistan.