Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country

Special Zientziateka 5th anniversary of the Chair of Scientific Culture
2016-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU is 5 years old and to celebrate this anniversary, a special Zientziateka will be held at the Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao on 23 June. Two leading scientists, such as the Professor of Linguistics at the UPV/EHU, Itziar Laka, and the lecturer in the Medicine Faculty at A Coruña University, Xurxo Mariño, will offer various conferences in Basque and Spanish respectively.

Laka will give a talk entitled “Hitzaz” (“Of the word”) in which she will talk about the nature of words: what they are, what we are able to identify in them and what goes unnoticed when speaking. This conference will be in Basque and there will be a simultaneous translation service for those that require it.

Mariño’s talk will be called “¿Para qué nos sirve la mente?” (“What is the mind for?”), in which he will explain how the human nervous system has evolved and how we have become aware of our own existence, an essential fact for the development of modern societies. However, is self-awareness a product of the evolutionary process or is it a mere coincidence? The talk will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to disseminate scientific knowledge.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Access is free.

I'm going to buy lies
2016-06-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Bizkaia Aretoa, Baroja aretoa, Abandoibarra 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The food and cosmetics industries have confused citizens for many years by using supposedly scientific arguments in their advertising strategies, but which in reality lack rigour from the point of view of science. Use of these misleading slogans may have repercussions on the health of citizens as well as in their pockets.

José Manuel López Nicolás, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Professor at the University of Murcia and the person behind the well known Scientia blog will give a talk entitled “Voy a comprar mentiras’ (I am going to buy lies) on 1st June at the UPV/EHU Bizkaia Aretoa (Abandoibarra 3, Bilbao) in which he will denounce the abuses committed by these industries, offer those present tools to detect this type of fraud and put forward his proposals to improve advertising control.

The talk will be in Spanish. Free entry subject to available seating.

Research with drugs on human beings: from the laboratory to the pharmacy
2016-05-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

What research processes are required of drug manufacturers before authorising them to market their products? What is the role of national and international regulatory agencies? Medical practice has changed substantially thanks to advances in the treatment of disease, but we should not forget that drugs also have a potential adverse or undesired effect that must be controlled. This is a particularly important aspect, as the appearance of new drugs has increased and diversified significantly in recent decades.

Nurse Amaia Martínez Galarza will discuss these issues in a talk under the title of ‘Research with drugs on human beings: from the laboratory to the pharmacy’, which will take place on 25 May at Azkuna Zentroa. This conference, which is part of the Zientziateka programme, will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Tickets are free.

The evolution of celiac disease: on the trail of junk DNA
2016-05-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Celiac disease is an immune disease that develops as gluten protein intolerance, which is found in wheat and other cereal grains. Despite the fact that we now know the main gene responsible for this disease, the genome has approximately 40 regions related to this disease, many of them in the so-called junk DNA. The research developed by UPV/EHU has discovered a new gene within the junk DNA controlling swelling and inflammation, which is modified in people with celiac disease. The paper, which was published in Science, has had a great repercussion since it has highlighted the importance of junk DNA in the development of diseases.

The research director, Ainara Castellanos, UPV/EHU researcher, will address this matter in the talk entitled “The evolution of celiac disease: on the trail of junk DNA” (‘Gaixotasun zeliakoaren eragileen bila: DNA zaborraren pistaren atzetik’). The event will take place on 10 May in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

Detecting gravitational waves: A new astronomy is born
2016-04-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

11 February saw the beginning of a new era in the history of astronomy – the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) announced the first ever direct detection of gravitational waves. These waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by accelerated massive objects. Albert Einstein predicted their existence a century ago and we had indirect proof, but they had not actually been detected until now. What is this phenomenon all about? Why is its discovery so important, and what are the implications for physics and astronomy?

Physicists José Juan Blanco-Pillado, Jon Urrestilla and Raül Vera, professors at the Theoretical Physics and Science History Department of the UPV/EHU, will be answering these questions at a talk and debate entitled “La detección de ondas gravitacionales: el nacimiento de una nueva astronomía” (“Detecting gravitational waves: A new astronomy is born”) on 27 April at Azkuna Zentroa. This conference, which is part of the Zientziateka programme, will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Tickets are free.

Zika virus: The penultimate threat?
2016-04-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Several diseases have spread all over the globe in recent years. Ebola, MERS, SAR and various strains of bird flu, for example, have crossed their usual geographical borders and have spread to other countries. Over the last few months, everyone has been talking about a virus that was previously unknown to us: Zika. What are its features? Does it pose a threat to us? How are these diseases becoming globalised?

Miren Basaras, Professor of Microbiology at the UPV/EHU, will be covering this topic at a talk entitled: “Zika birusa: azkenaurreko mehatxua?” (“Zika virus: The penultimate threat?”) The event will take place on 12 April in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

Planet X: finding the Solar System’s invisible tenant
2016-03-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The possible existence of an unknown planet in the limits of the solar system was announced in January. This announcement was based on theoretic calculations of the effect of a possible planet on the orbits of a series of smaller celestial bodies. This hypothetical planet is hard to find and hasn’t been observed yet, but it poses a series of interesting questions: What is this hypothetical planet like? What is the scientific basis for this announcement? Planet X represents the unknown in the Solar System, which continues to amaze us.

Physicist Ricardo Hueso, member of the Planet Sciences group of the UPV/EHU, shall host a talk under the title ‘Planeta X, en busca del inquilino invisible del sistema solar’ (‘Planet X: finding the Solar System’s invisible tenant’) March 16th at Azkuna Zentroa. This conference, which is part of the Zientziateka programme, will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 February. Tickets are free.

À la carte genetic modifications, the drug of the future?
2016-03-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Is it possible to modify genes as we wish? Some of the most important news from 2015 is the CRISPR technique, which allows to rewrite the DNA sequence of a gene, for example. Thanks to the possibilities created by this technology, we can change or deactivate the expression of a gene and solve its problems. Could this be the final genetic tool or is it a new technique that doesn’t comply with what’s established?

Koldo García, computational biologist and researcher at UPV/EHU and Biocruces, will host a talk on this matter under the title ‘Geneak nahieran aldatzea, etorkizuneko botika?’ (À la carte genetic modifications, the drug of the future?) The event will take place on 9 March in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

Malaspina expedition: 42,000 miles under the sea
2016-02-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The underwater world is still greatly unknown. To explore the impact of human action on the ocean, its biodiversity, the processes taking place in its depths and their influence on the ocean’s behaviour, in 2010 the “Circumnavigation expedition Malaspina: Global change and exploration of the ocean’s biodiversity” started; an interdisciplinary scientific initiative with over 250 scientists.

One of them was Iñigo Azua, researcher and professor of Microbiology at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, who will offer a conference under the title ‘Malaspina expedition: 42,000 miles under the sea’ on February 24th, at 19:00 hours in Azkuna Zentroa. This conference, which is part of the Zientziateka programme, will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 February. Entry is free.

The challenges of anthropology and the origin of art, on the 2016 Bilbao Darwin Day
2016-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

On 12th February, the birth of Charles Darwin, the author of the theory of evolution by natural selection, will be commemorated in Bilbao. The Bidebarrieta library will hold conferences by Carmen Manzano, professor of Anthropology of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, and Diego Gárate, archaeologist of the Bizkaia Archaeological Museum. A questions and answers session will take place after the conferences, where the attendees may ask the speakers. Access to the event is free and will begin at 19 hours.

Manzano will offer a conference under the title “The Homo genus: what we know and what we think we know”, which will analyse the main questions anthropology must answer in years to come: What was the species prior to the Homo genus like? When did the main attributes of the Homo sapiens, such as bipedalism or brain growth appear?

Meanwhile, Gárate’s conference is titled “The first artists: tracing the origins of symbolic expression”. He will address the human ability to create for aesthetic purposes and to share ideas: when it began to develop, if the Homo sapiens shares it with other species or not, and how and when the first art expressions began… The scientist will expound on the small revolution that has taken place in research on the origin of art in the past years.

Speakers

Carmen Manzano is an anthropology professor and researcher. She has participated in over 40 research projects that have resulted in over 30 publications in high-impact journals, multiple appearances in conferences, a patent and seven research contracts.

Diego Gárate is an archaeological technician at the Bizkaia Archaeological Museum. His research has focused on the origin and development of Palaeolithic art in the Cantabrian region and the artistic connections between this area and the decorated caves in the Pyrenees.

Darwin Day

Darwin Day has been celebrated in Bilbao since 2007. Leading figures from science and dissemination, such as Francisco J. Ayala, Pilar Carbonero, Juan Luis Arsuaga and Manuel Toharia, among others, have participated in it, turning this event into a must for fans of science and culture in general in Bizkaia’s capital.

This event is organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, the Círculo Escéptico and Bilbao City Council. El Correo newspaper, CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Biophysics Foundation and the Aula Espazio Gela of the UPV/EHU are backing the event.

I don’t want to taste that! Why do children refuse to taste new foods?
2016-02-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Food neophobia is defined as the rejection of new foods. It is very frequent in children between 3 and 6 years of age. But, from that moment onwards, we may encounter neophobic adults if this issue isn’t solved. Different studies link this problem with an unbalanced diet. The research project developed by Edurne Maiz and her team has observed that neophobic children have lower self-esteem and higher anxiety levels. The role of their parents is essential to prevent food neophobia from becoming a true problem.

Edurne Maiz, professor of Psychology of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will offer a conference under the title: ‘I don’t want to taste that! Why do children refuse to taste new foods?’. The event will take place on 9 February in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 February. Entry is free.

The Paris summit, a historic outcome?
2016-01-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The conference on climate change, known as COP21, was held in Paris in december. The 195 countries came to an agreement which some analysts have dubbed as an historic success, given its importance when setting out the rules of the game on global climate policy as of 2020. Meanwhile, others are arguing that hardly any relevant progress has been made. What were the key features of the agreement? Why have there been differing interpretations of the same deal?

Ibon Galarraga, researcher at the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), will be the speaker at this talk entitled “The Paris Summit, an Historic Outcome?”. This conference, which forms part of the Zientziateka programme, will take place at 7pm on 26 January at Azkuna Zentroa and it will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 January. Free entry will be subject to available seating.

The Asian Hornet
2016-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Vespa vitulina or Asian hornet came to Europe in 2006. It then spread throughout France and the northwest Iberian Peninsula. The invasion of this hornet could have two consequences. Firstly an ecological one since, in addition to capturing honey producing bees, it may prey on other pollinator species and would consequently reduce biodiversity. The second effect would be economic, as this insect could cause heavy losses in honey producing bee colonies.

Professor of Zoology of Arthropods of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Juan Carlos Iturrondobeitia will speak about this subject during his “Asiatik datorren Iiztorra” (“The Asian Hornet”) lecture. This activity is part of the Zientziateka programme and will take place on 12 January at Azkuna Zentroa. The lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 January. Entry is free.

Light
2015-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Light is essential for life, human well-being and the development of science and technology. To highlight its importance, the United Nations declared 2015 as the International Year of Light and for this reason, we are devoting a special edition of Zientziateka to this theme. Three scientists will participate in it, analysing the characteristics of light from three different perspectives. Its physical properties, its role in photosynthesis and the way in which it is perceived by human beings will be explained.

Three professors from the UPV/EHU will take part in this event: Jon Azkargorta, Professor of Physics; Iker Aranjuelo, ‘Ramón y Cajal’ Plant Biology and Ecology Researcher; and Miren Bego Urrutia, Professor of Animal Physiology . This event, entitled “Luz” will take place on 14 December at the Azkuna Zentroa and it will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating.

100 Years of General Relativity, Einstein's Legacy
2015-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

A century ago, Albert Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity, which radically changed our view of the universe and had a great influence on fields such as science, philosophy, art, politics and popular culture throughout the 20th century. To analyse Einstein’s legacy, we have organised a round table in which three theoretical physicists will explain the specifics of this theory and will answer questions from the public.

The three scientists, José Juan Blanco, Raúl Vera and Jon Urrestilla, are professors in the Department of Theoretical Physics and the History of Science at the UPV/EHU. The journalist, Eva Caballero, director of ‘La mecánica del caracol’ programme on Radio Euskadi will moderate the discussions.

This event, entitled “100 Years of General Relativity, Einstein’s Legacy”, will take place at 7pm on 9 December at the Azkuna Zentroa and it will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point as of 1 December. Free entry will be subject to available seating.

The battle against cancer: the importance of diet
2015-11-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

We are becoming more and more informed about how our environment (diet, pollution, the sun and a huge variety of physical, chemical and biological compounds) determines our chances of developing cancer. What should we know and what can we do about it? During this lecture, we will explain how the researchers work in this field and how they report their results.

Arkaitz Carracedo, Ikerbasque researcher at CIC bioGUNE, will be speaker of this talk entitled “The battle against cancer: the importance of diet”. This conference will be held on 11 November at 7 pm at Azkuna Zentroa. The talk will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters. This talk has the support of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating.

Why is DNA repair worthy of the Nobel Prize?
2015-11-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Our DNA is damaged on a daily basis: radiation, free radicals, and other carcinogenic substances… Even so, our body has the ability to repair this damage. Thanks to a discovery made in this field, Tomas Lindahl of Sweden, Paul Modrich of the United States and Aziz Sancar of Turkey have received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Ainhoa Iglesias, Professor of Genetics of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will give a lecture on this subject in a talk entitled, ‘Zergatik merezi du Nobel saria DNAren konponketak?’ (Why is DNA repair worthy of the Nobel Prize?). The event will take place on 9 November in Azkuna Zentroa. The talk will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

Unravelling the mysteries of black holes
2015-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Azkuna Zentroko Bastida aretoa (-2 solairua), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Black holes are the most amazing astrophysical objects we know. They cannot be seen by the naked eye; in fact, their gravitational force is so huge that not even light is capable of escaping them in order to reach us. However, we know they are there due to the effects that they produce. In spite of the fact that we know much of the details of how they are formed, their evolution and what happens inside them is still not very clear. We could say that this is indeed the main question.

David Brizuela, Professor of Physics at the University of the Basque Country / UPV/EHU, will tell us about these subjects in his talk entitled ‘Zulo beltzen misterioak argitzen’ (Unravelling the mysteries of black holes). The event will take place on 19 October in Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters. The talk will be in Basque.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

DNA and population history: the case of the Basques
2015-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Analysis and sequencing of DNA from prehistoric human remains allows us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of populations. This type of technology has been applied to the study of the origin of the Basque people, which has enabled us to qualify and specify past assumptions. It has been noted that some DNA lineages have evolved in situ during the Palaeolithic period while others were introduced during the neolithisation process of Europe. However, the latest discoveries have resulted in a view that is contrary to the hitherto dominant paradigm.

Neskuts Izagirre, Professor of Anthropology at the UPV/EHU, will give a talk on the new information provided by ancient DNA analysis in a talk/discussion entitled ‘DNA and population history: the case of the Basques’. This conference will be held on 7 October at 7 pm at Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating. The talk will be in Spanish.

Knowledge will burn the world ("Jakinduriek mundue erreko dau")
2015-09-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa-EHU, Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Science and bertsolarismo will go hand-in-hand at the free session “Jakinduriek mundue erreko dau” (“Knowledge will burn the world”).

The Bizkaia Hall in Bilbao will welcome three bertsolaris and five scientists who will pick a specific matter and make a small exposition on the issue of their choice on 26 September, at 18:00 hours. During these brief explanations, these scientists will deal with issues such as light, the latest advances in astronomy, artificial intelligence, and the ergative case, which is a differentiating characteristic of our language.

The host and sociolinguist Kike Amonarriz will help the bertsolaris decode this information, assisting them while they set tone and rhythm to these scientific topics.

– Since the year 2015 has been declared The year of the light, Jon Mattin Matxain, professor at the UPV/EHU, researcher and quantum physicist, will solve out questions on: “Light: Wave or particle?”

– Naiara Barrado and Itziar Garate, researchers of the Planetary Science group, professors and astrophysicists by the UPV/EHU, will speak on the curiosity space provokes in us: “Where has our curiosity taken us?”

– Gorka Azkune, researcher and professor at the University of Deusto and Computer Scientist specialised in artificial intelligence will bring us closer to certain AI concepts: “Neuron networks to create artificial intelligence”.

– Itziar Laka, linguist, researcher and professor at the UPV/EHU, has analysed the structure of Basque and will pay tribute to comic artist Zaldieroa, using as an example of her beloved ergative case: “Zaldieroa dixit: Don’t eliminate the ergative case!”

This session will be in Basque.

Naukas Bilbao 2015
2015-09-11 10:00 - 20:30 | Bizkaia Aretoa – UPV/EHU (Sala Mitxelena), Abandoibarra, 3, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Naukas 2015 will be held in Bilbao on 11 and 12 September. The fifth year of this science outreach event, one of the most important in Spain, will be held in the Mitxelena Room at the Bizkaia Aretoa of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (Avenida Abandoibarra, 3).

More than 60 short lectures will combine rigour and humour in order to generate public interest in the most diverse scientific disciplines. Furthermore, there will be interviews with different personalities, humorous monologues, live experiments and a children’s programme of activities.

Free entry subject to available seating. This event is organised by the dissemination platform Naukas and the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU.

The full programme may be found here.

Summer courses: The demons of science
2015-07-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Palacio Miramar, Paseo Miraconcha, 48, Donostia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

A special focus is made on the importance of the so-called scientific method in scientific papers for the general public and students of different levels, as well as the great achievements of scientific endeavours throughout history. However, despite its undeniable success as an intellectual endeavour and as a developmental factor, science is not lacking in criticism and problems, and, for certain social sectors, it isn’t even considered as trustworthy.

Some of the attitudes that question science in a more or less explicit way partially respond to science’s own weaknesses or its dubiously rigorous behaviours or the poor ethics exercised by members of the scientific community. What’s the base for pseudo-science? How do scientists’ attitudes contribute to their existence? Why doesn’t the scientific system treat men and women of their community equally? What ethical criteria should they follow when setting limits to scientific activity? What does scientific fraud respond to? Is it efficiently fought by the community?

These are the questions that we seek to address in our UPV/EHU summer course “The demons of science. Educating with (con)science”. We will attempt to provide scientific criteria to improve the ethical aspect of scientific practice, because we believe in the importance of accommodating critical aspects, as the ones addressed in this course, for scientific dissemination and teaching.

The summer course will take place at the Palacio Miramar in San Sebastián from 8 to 10 July.

You may find further information regarding the courses here.

Programme:

8 July

09:00 h Registration and documentation delivery

09:15 h Opening session: Fernando P. Cossío Mora (Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science and the School of Chemistry, UPV/EHU).

10:15 h “Science, conscience and pain” Pilar Goya Laza (Medical Chemistry Institute, CSIC).

11:15 h Break

11:45 h “Invisible colleagues” Carolina Martínez Pulido (La Laguna University).

12:45 h Round Table: “Women make science: Discrimination or thoughtlessness?” with Fernando P. Cossío Mora, Pilar Goya Laza and Carolina Martínez Pulido.

9 July

09:15 h “(Pseudo)scientific myths in nutrition and health” José Miguel Mulet Salort (Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology; Technical University of Valencia).

10:15 h “Psychological basis for magic and superstitions” Helena Matute Greño (Deusto University).

11:15 h Break

11:45 h “Bad practice in science” Joaquín Sevilla (Public University of Navarre).

12:45 h Round Table “Pseudo-science and poor science” José Miguel Mulet Salort, Helena Matute Greño and Joaquín Sevilla .

10 July

09:15 h “Do ends justify the means in scientific research?” Mabel Marijuan Angulo (School of Medicine and Dentistry; UPV/EHU).

10:15 h “The mathematics of inequality” Eva Ferreira García (School of Economics and Business, UPV/EHU).

11:15 h Break

11:45 h “The ethos of science: values and virtues” Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias (Chair of Scientific Culture and School of Science and Technology UPV/EHU).

12:45 h Round Table “Science and conscience” Mabel Marijuan Angulo, Eva Ferreira García and Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias.

Earthquake in Nepal: a sudden and constantly evolving devastation
2015-06-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroa Mediateka (Level 2), Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

In Nepal on 25 April and 12 May this year, the earth abruptly shook. Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.9 and 7.3 on the Richter scale destroyed the country. Earthquakes are devastating forces for humans, yet constructive forces for the earth: they created the Himalayas and are responsible for the separation of the continents. Every time a disaster like the one in Nepal occurs, the same doubts emerge in society: Can earthquakes in some way be prevented? Why do they occur? What is the source of their destructive capability? Which countries have the greatest seismic risk? What is the probability that there will be a large earthquake in our location?

Arturo Apraiz, Professor of Geodynamics at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU will answer these questions in a talk entitled “Earthquake in Nepal: a sudden and constantly evolving devastation”. The event will take place on 23 June in Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters. The talk will be in Basque.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

In search of the perfect stem cell
2015-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Thirty years ago, the idea of generating a heart cell or a neuron from a skin cell seemed like science fiction. However, thanks to the dizzying evolution of regenerative medicine, it is now reality. Nowadays we know that pluripotent stem cells have extraordinary potential to generate any kind of cell we wish: cells of the heart, pancreas or neurons, among others, but how do we use these cells to treat illness? Are we close to or far away from curing diseases through their use?

Cristina Eguizabal, researcher in charge of the Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Unit of the Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues at Osakidetza, will answer these questions in a talk entitled ‘In search of the perfect stem cell’. This conference will be held on 10 June at 7 pm at Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating. The talk will be in Spanish.

Are machines capable of seeing? From scientific evidence to practical application
2015-05-26 19:00 - 19:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Mediateka aretoa (2. solairua), Azkuna Zentroko Mediateka aretoa (2. solairua)
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Scientific and technological research giving vision to machines began in the 1970s. Fifty years is not a very long time but huge advances have been made. In this talk, the scientific and technological basis used by machines in order to see will be explained. Using practical cases, currently feasible applications will be demonstrated. To do this, the Basque company Ikusmen will present the equipment it has developed for industrial applications.

The Rector of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Iñaki Goirizelaia and the technical manager of the company Ikusmen Gaizka Abaroa will give a talk entitled ‘Are machines capable of seeing? From scientific evidence to practical application’. This conference will be held on 26 May at Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Entry is free.

The talk will be in Basque.

Mathematical formulas and numbers: from 'A Beautiful Mind' to San Mamés
2015-05-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton tried to measure as accurately as possible how the stones fell off the Tower of Pisa, and how apples fell from trees, even though neither of them actually had any interest in stones and apples. They did this because they were interested in the data that they could garner from those stones and apples to help them test physical theories. In the same way, the data that can be obtained from a football field is very useful for economic research. Economists are gradually using more and more theories of human behaviour like those of John F. Nash (whose life inspired the film ‘A Beautiful Mind’) or the theories of efficient markets in financial economy, discrimination at work and the behaviour of the human brain.

Ignacio Palacios-Huerta, Professor of Economy at the London School of Economics, and researcherof the Ikerbasque Foundation at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will explain these theories at a talk, followed by a discussion, called ‘Mathematical formulas and numbers: from “A Beautiful Mind” to San Mamés’. This conference will take place on 19 May at 7 pm at Azkuna Zentroa.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating. The talk will be in Spanish.

Science+
2015-05-07 14:30 - 20:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa-EHU, Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

On 7, 8 and 9 May, Science+ will be held in Bilbao.

Science+ is a meeting which will deal with the different professional alternatives that exist in the field of science, especially within the European context. The programme consists of plenary lectures of general interest, discussion sessions between participants and speakers, and lectures focussing on the main areas. The presentations and panel discussions will be conducted by people with broad experience in scientific research, journalism and publishing, R&D companies, dissemination and funding in R&D.

At Science+ the participants will be able to find out about their professional options, learn from personal experiences, find relevant scientific associations to join, find out which R&D research programmes will be supportive, as well as discuss the future challenges for European science.

The event will be held in Spanish, with some lectures in English. All information relating to the event is available at scienceplus.es. To attend you should register with the nominal charge for registration (5 €).

The meeting will be organised into the following areas:

· A scientific career in academia

· Professional alternatives in science

· Scientific associations

· The challenges of science in Europe

· Research programmes and networks in Spain and Europe

· Bridges between science and politics

· Science popularisation

Science+ is an initiative of the associations of Spanish Scientists in the Federal Republic of Germany (CERFA) and Spanish Scientists in the United Kingdom (CERU), which has support from the Chair of Scientific Culture of our university.

Bioexperiencias II
2015-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa de la UPV/EHU, sala Arriaga, Avenida Abandoibarra, 3, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Bioexperiencias II

On 30 April, we will hold the second conference on Bioexperiences at the Bilbao Bizkaia Aretoa. The goal of these conferences is to present biology as science and a profession for students who are interested in it as a career and the general public. It also serves as a forum where professionals from different areas of biology can exchange their experiences.

The Bioexperiencias sessions are an initiative of the Official Association of Biologists of the Basque Country, in collaboration with the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country.

All the sessions will take place at the Arriaga Hall of the UPV/EHU Main Auditorium. Free entry will be subject to available seating. The speeches will be presented in Spanish, and will be followed by a questions and answers session.

The conference programme is the following:

18.30: “Water management within the WFD 2000”. Iñaki Urrizalki, environmental consultant and former General Manager of the Basque Water Agency.

19:00: “Use of by-products in the formulation of specific diets for tilapia in recirculating aquaponic systems (RAS)”. Beatriz Díaz, Research Technician at BREEN S.L

19:20: “From classic genetics to individualised genomics”. Marian Martínez de Pancorbo, Professor of Cell Biology from the Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology of the University of the Basque Country EHU/UPV.

For more information, click here.

Human Evolution: what we don't know and what we think we know
2015-04-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroko Mediateka aretoa (2. solairua), Azkuna Zentroko Mediateka aretoa (2. solairua)
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

We are the only species of hominins that exist today. However, the situation was very different in the past, as more than one species coincided in time. We think that we know some things about the genealogical tree of the species that make up our linage, but there are still some questions to be addressed: Which species was the ancestor of the Homo genus? How many species make up the genus? When did the main attributes of the Homo sapiens, such as bipedalism or brain growth appear? Addressing these questions, among others, is one of the major challenges faced by anthropology over the forthcoming years.

Carmen Manzano, Professor of Anthropology at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will address these issues in a talk entitled ‘Human Evolution: what we don’t know and what we think we know’. This event will be held on 24th April at 7pm at Azkuna Zentroa. Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Entry is free. Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point.

The talk will be in Basque.

The Anthropocene: Are we in a new geological time?
2015-04-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Auditorio de Azkuna Zentroa (planta -1), Plaza Arriquíbar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Has human activity had such an impact on the Earth that it can be considered to have led to the dawn of a new geological period? In recent years, the term Anthropocene has been proposed to call this new period in the history of our planet and its inclusion in the geological time scale is being studied. There are three proposals to determine when it began: the Neolithic revolution thousands of years ago; the industrial revolution in the 18th century and finally, the scientific-economic development and the nuclear escalation that took place in the middle of the 20th century.

Alejandro Cearreta, Professor of Stratigraphy and Palaeontology at the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will explain the details of this period in the earth’s history in a talk entitled ‘The Anthropocene: Are we in a new geological time? This conference will take place on 14 April at 7 pm at Azkuna Zentroa and it will be in Spanish.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point. Free entry will be subject to available seating.
