The National Science Week in Norway – 20th and 21st of September, Bergen
The National Science Week in Norway is a nationwide event held every year to make science and research available to the public.
On a Friday and Saturday at the end of September each year, curious spectators of all ages get the opportunity to try, taste, ask questions, discuss, wonder or be surprised alongside enthusiastic researchers from the research communities.
This event was held in Bergen on the 20th and 21st of September 2024 with exhibitions and demonstrations of technological innovations under a large tent in the heart of the city. The event’s theme focused on health this year, and NORCE had the opportunity to present OXIPRO research on enzymatic hydrolysis of fish protein for the production of nutraceuticals. The stand was co-organized with the EU-project INNOAQUA, where the cultivation of microalgae to produce nutrient-rich biomass and omega-supplements was presented.
On Day 1, the NORCE stand was open only for school children from the 6th and 7th grades. The children visited the OXIPRO stand in different batches, each comprising 12-15 kids. In total, around 50 kids visiting our booth on Day 1. On Day 2, the booths were open to the general public, including children, and we had over 50 people visiting us. Both children and adults were curious to learn about the use of fish by-products and the hydrolysis process with the help of enzymes. They were given insights into overcoming the challenges in using fish protein hydrolysates for human consumption. They appreciated the work and participated in quizzes to win prizes.
Presenting our research at Forskingsdagene was a great opportunity to raise awareness and spark interest in young children and adults. We met many peer researchers who were interested in our work and discussed future collaborations. The event also helped us to improve our communication skills with a more general audience, which is a crucial aspect. We also noticed societal acceptance of the final product when the taste and smell are more neutralized, which could be the starting point for market opportunities in the near future.