Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country

"Zientziateka” programme: Nature, Literature and Science
2018-04-10 19:00 - 2018-04-19 20:30 (Europe/Madrid) | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The convergence among different fields of study has always been a wonderful tool to reflect globally and reliably the reality of each era. In this sense, the connection between nature, literature and science is, perhaps, one of the most marvellous ways that human beings have to design a window from which to contemplate and teach the world from multiple and complementary perspectives.

The unification of these three areas of knowledge will be the main theme of the conference cycle “Nature, Literature and Science” that Azkuna Zentroa will host from 10 to 19 April. The event, framed in the “Zientziateka” programme, will include five conferences presented by scientists who will seek to combine the interaction of nature and the social environment reflected in the literature

The cycle “Nature, Literature and Science” is organized by the Chair of Scientific Culture together with Azkuna Zentroa and in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), and it will serve as a prelude to the eleventh edition of Gutun Zuria, the International Literature Festival of Bilbao (Festival de las Letras).

The new edition of this popular literary event will become a meeting point for national, international and local writers and the general public from 23th April at Azkuna Zentroa. The event will focus on the work of the writer Henry David Thoreau, renowned as the defender of the natural universe. Taking as a backdrop the bicentenary of Thoreau’s birth, which was celebrated last year, the theme of the Festival will be literature and nature conservation.

The conferences

The mathematician and professor of the UPV / EHU Raul Ibañez Torres will be in charge of inaugurating on 10 April, a series of lectures regarding “Nature, Literature and Science”. In his conference entitled “The Theorem of the Rose“(El teorema de la Rosa), the scientific disseminator will talk about the importance of mathematics as a fundamental tool for studying nature and understanding its beauty. The aim of this talk is to introduce the public into the mathematics of nature through the critical and creative eye of current literature. For this purpose, Ibañez will provide the audience with some simple and interesting examples, such as the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio, the knot theory or fractals.

The second conference, entitled “Sudden Elements” (Elementos a vuelapluma) will take place on 12 April and will be chemist and disseminator Deborah García Belloso‘s responsibility. In her presentation, García Belloso will analyse the leading role played by chemistry and its phenomena in literature. The speaker will invite the audience to immerse themselves in books and songs in which chemistry has sneaked in and has become a powerful literary element.

On the third day, to be held on 16 April, the biologist and professor of Physiology at the UPV/EHU Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias will bring to the audience the unexpected, and sometimes, beautiful relationship that exists between biology and literature. In his presentation, “Animalien letrak” (The literature of animals), which will be taught in Basque, Pérez Iglesias will analyse the influence that the close relationship between human beings and animals has had in literature, cultivated or popular, as well as in other artistic manifestations, throughout history.

The astrophysicist and researcher of the Planetary Sciences group of the UPV/EHU Santiago Perez Hoyos will be the speaker of the conference on 18 April. In the talk “Explorando el espacio a través de la literatura de ciencia ficción” (Exploring space through science fiction literature), Perez Hoyos will explain how space has been explored in literature, particularly through the science fiction novels written from the 21st century on. Through the analysis of some examples, the astrophysicist will discuss the difficult relationship that has always existed between narrative license and scientific rigour, as well as how science fiction literature has contributed to enriching the ideas of humanity regarding space.

The series of lectures will end on 19 April with the presentation of “La geología fantástica de Verne, Poe y H.P. Lovecraft” (The fantastic geology of Verne, Poe and H.P. Lovegraft). Blanca Maria Martinez Garcia, geologist and researcher at the Aranzadi Science Society, will speak about three renowned fantasy and horror literature authors who used geology as the central axis of their works.

All talks will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets must be collected at the Azkuna Zentroa information point and access to the venue if free.

Pi Day
2018-03-14 09:00 - 21:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa – UPV/EHU (Sala Mitxelena), Abandoibarra, 3, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The number π is one of the most important mathematical constants that exist. π is a fascinating number that is extremely popular, and even has its own day. Pi Day has been celebrated on March 14th every year since 1988. The event was the physicist Larry Shaw’s idea, who put forward the proposal and added that the day also coincided with Albert Einstein’s date of birth. In addition, the way in which March 14th is written in US English and in Basque coincides with the first three digits of the number. (3-14 martxoaren 14 in Basque / 3-14, March 14th in US English)

In recent years, Pi Day celebrations have been expanding, turning the day into an event that goes beyond the scope of mathematics. π is present in physics, in Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, in the Theory of Relativity, and Coulomb’s Law. It appears in geology when estimating the length of rivers; in biochemistry when studying the structure of a DNA molecule; in astronomy when studying the shape of the universe, and in many more applications that affect our day-to-day lives.

We will be taking part in the Pi Day celebrations in 2018 with a special BCAM-NAUKAS event, which will take place throughout the entire day (Thursday, March 14th) at the UPV/EHU Bizkaia Aretoa building. BCAM-NAUKAS will include mathematical workshops for students during the morning, and a series of short lectures aimed at the general public in the afternoon.

The event is an initiative from the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM) and the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country.

Pi Day Programme

9:00 – 16:30 Mathematical Workshops

Workshops for students in the last years of primary school, and secondary school students. The objective is to introduce young people to mathematics in a playful and attractive way, aiming to make them interested in this science.

Primary school 5- 6 PS grades

09:00 – 10:00: Mosaics (Nelo Maestre)

10:30 – 11:30: Mosaics (Nelo Maestre)

12:00 – 13:00: The Moebius Strip (Juan Miguel Ribera)

15:15 – 16:15: The Moebius Strip (Juan Miguel Ribera)

Secondary school 1-2 SS grades

09:00 – 10:00: Gigant Games (Pedro Alegría – Raúl Ibáñez)

10:30 – 11:30: Gigant Games (Pedro Alegría – Raúl Ibáñez)

12:00 – 13:00: Gigant Games (Pedro Alegría – Raúl Ibáñez)

15:15 – 16:15: Gigant Games (Pedro Alegría – Raúl Ibáñez)

Secundaria ESO/DBH 3-4

09:00 – 10:00: Perspective (Tania Giraldo)

10:30 – 11:30: Perspective (Tania Giraldo)

12:00 – 13:00: Balloon-aided (Fracisco González)

15:15 – 16:15: Ballon-aided (Francisco González)

The workshops have a maximum capacity of 40 people. To attend, education centres must register by sending an email to kzk.ehu@gmail.com with the following details:

Name of the workshop they would like to take part in:

Time of the workshop:

Number of participants:

Teacher’s name and surname:

Education centre:

Contact telephone number:

19:00 – 21:00 BCAM-NAUKAS

Short, dynamic and accessible lectures, lasting 15 minutes each, will be given at the Mitxelena lecture theatre in the Bizkaia Aretoa building. The objective of these lectures is to make the fascinating nature of mathematics more accessible, and to find out the properties and applications of the number Pi in everyday life, among other things.

19:00-19:15: Presentation of the BCAM NAUKAS event

19:15-19:30: The number of taxis in Bilbao and espionage during the 2nd world war – Juan Antonio Cuesta (University of Cantabria)

19:30-19:45: π, on earth as it is in heaven – Enrique F. Borja (Seville University)

19:45-20:00: Diagnosing diseases: a matter of probabilities – Maria Xosé Rodríguez-Álvarez (BCAM, Bilbao)

20:00-20:15: The magic of Pythagorean numbers – Francisco González (Jaume I University, Castellón)

20:15-20:30: Mathematics in spite of everything – Ágata Timón (ICMAT, Madrid)

20:30-20:45: The Talbot effect: weaving rugs with light – Daniel Eceizabarrena (BCAM, Bilbao)

20:45-21:00: Follow the white rabbit – Clara Grima (University of Seville)

Access to the BCAM-NAUKAS lectures is free, subject to available seating.

Come and celebrate Pi Day on March 14th at Bizkaia Aretoa and enjoy a mathematical day that will certainly be out of the ordinary!

Dialogues on the border: Talk by artist Esther Ferrer and composer Tom Johnson
2018-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Although the relationship between different forms of knowledge may seem impossible, the truth is that in many cases the link between them is essential and inevitable. Arts and sciences are a living example of the connection existing between different fields of study. And although it can be difficult to think about how artistic creation and scientific research can coexist, the truth is that there are professionals who combine these disciplines in their daily work.

An example of this are the San Sebastian artist Esther Ferrer and the American minimalist composer Tom Johnson, the protagonists of the first edition of the program “Dialogues on the border”, which will be held on March 12 at 7:00 pm at the Bidebarrieta Library of Bilbao (Calle Bidebarrieta, 4).

The event, whose main objective is to create a space for dialogue between arts and sciences, will gather in the Basque capital, professors Josu Rekalde (Fine Arts) and Raúl Ibánez (Science and Technology) from the University of the Basque Country to discuss with Ferrer and Johnson the use of mathematics in their creative processes.

This event is part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series, a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

Speakers

The San Sebastian artist Esther Ferrer is a pioneer of the performance art and one of its top representatives in Spain. Her work has been recognised with multiple awards such as the National Plastic Arts Award (2008), the Gure Artea Award (2012) and Marie Claire de l’Art Contemporain Award (2014). In her works, exhibited all over the world, multiple references to mathematics appear (prime numbers, infinity in the Pi number, geometry, space and time …) related to minimalism, conceptual art and feminism.

The musician Tom Johnson is a minimalist and theoretic composer of American music. He uses simple forms, limited scales and mathematical elements such as combinatorics, symmetry, numbers or fractals for his compositions Some of his most outstanding works are the renowned Four Note Opera (1972), Rational Melodies (1982) and Kientzy Loops, awarded with the French national award “Victoires de la musique 2000”; or more recent melodies such as Galileo (2001), Mosaics (2002) or Vermont Rhythms (2008).

All of the talks are free, subject to available seating. However, attendees must request an invite at the library, from 7 to 12 March. Invitations can be collected from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live here.

Preventing and Treating Alzheimer's Disease: A Modern Approach
2018-03-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are a great challenge facing our society today. They are a social and health-care problem which only in the Basque Country affects over 40,000 people, and this figure is expected to double by 2040.

Nowadays, one in ten people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia in the elderly. It is a neurological pathology that costs about 24,000 euros on average per patient every year and lasts an average of 8-10 years. It is therefore undeniable that we are facing a huge public challenge that can be and should be tackled right now.

In this context, early diagnosis, the use of available therapies and treatments, and research into primary and secondary prevention measures are essential strategies to raise awareness of dementia, optimise the quality of life of patients and their family caregivers, and even cut the number of sufferers by half over the next decade or two.

Neurologist Pablo Martínez-Lage, Scientific Director of CITA Alzheimer Foundation, will be in charge of presenting the most important aspects of this disease at a talk in Bilbao called “Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease: A Modern Approach”, at 7pm on 5 March, at Bidebarrieta Library (Calle Bidebarrieta, 4).

Amongst other things, Martínez-Lage will talk about how this disease works, risk factors and current treatments to control or delay onset. The doctor will also analyse the current role of early diagnosis, clinical tests and the importance of prevention.

This talk is part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series, an initiative organised every month by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

All of the talks are free, subject to available seating. However, attendees need to pick up an invite at the library, from 28 February to 5 March. Invitations can be collected from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live here.

The first steps of darwinian evolution and cognitive biases and evolution, on Darwin Day 2018
2018-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

On 12 February, Bidebarrieta Library in Bilbao will host the 12th edition of Darwin Day, which each year commemorates the birth of the author of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.

The conference, which will begin at 7pm, will consist of two talks by Carlos Briones Llorente, researcher at the Astrobiology Centre (CSIC-INTA), and Helena Matute, professor of psychology at University of Deusto. After the talks, which will bring the audience closer to the English naturalist’s popular theory from different scientific perspectives, there will be a final discussion in which attendees can participate.

The talk by Briones, entitled “The First Steps of Darwinian Evolution”, will address the scientific advances of research into the origin of the first living beings. The scientist, specialised in the origin and the early evolution of life, will show how the first steps of the Darwinian evolution laid the bases for the construction of this biodiversity of which we form part.

Matute will give a talk called “Cognitive Biases and Evolution”, in which she will bring the so-called cognitive biases, errors systematically committed by all people and which depend on how each mind is configured, to the library in the capital of Biscay. In her talk, the professor will address the ins and outs of these thought “short-cuts”, which have arisen in an evolutionary context and have their own raison d’être.

The journalist, Alfonso Gámez, will be in charge of leading these talks, which are part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series, an initiative organised every month by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

All of the talks are free of charge and open to all, subject to seating capacity. However, in order to enter, invitations must be obtained from the library, which are available from 5 February. Invitations can be collected from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live here.

Speakers

Carlos Briones is a Doctor in Chemical Sciences (specialised in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) from the Autonomous University of Madrid, with a Doctoral Thesis at the “Severo Ochoa” Molecular Biology Centre (CSIC-UAM). Briones is the CSIC Resident Scientist at the Astrobiology Centre (CSIC-INTA), associated with the NASA Astrobiology Institute), where he has led a group that is researching the origin and early evolution of life, replicative systems based on RNA and the development of biosensors, since 2000.

Helena Matute is a psychology professor at University of Deusto, where she runs the Experimental Psychology Laboratory and researches human learning and memory, more specifically issues related to cognitive biases and causal illusions. Matute has been the President of the Spanish Society of Experimental Psychology and the Spanish Society for Comparative Psychology, which is the speciality that studies cognitive processes in the different animal species.

Darwin Day

Darwin Day has been celebrated in Bilbao since 2007. Since then, the conference has included the participation of leading figures from science and dissemination, such as Francisco J. Ayala, Pilar Carbonero, Juan Luis Arsuaga and Manuel Toharia, among others. This has turned the talks into an important event for science lovers in the capital of Biscay.

This event is organised by the Skeptical Circle, the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Kulturgunea. El Correo newspaper and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia also collaborate in it.

Education Testing
2018-02-02 09:00 - 13:30 | Bizkaia Aretoa – UPV/EHU (Sala Mitxelena), Abandoibarra, 3, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

How are some of the most common cognitive disorders dealt with in the classroom? Are the programmes and tools in the current education system effective? Do some of the most popular educational practices lack effectiveness?

These are some of the issues to be discussed at the “Education Testing” seminar which will be held on 2 February at the Bizkaia Aretoa in Bilbao. The event, which is held for the second time this year, is organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and the Basque Country School Board, with collaboration from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT).

From 09:00 to 13:30 the day will include presentations by several experts who will expose multiple issues related to education, based on the existing scientific evidence. The specialists will place special emphasis on what is the best evidence available today with the objective of addressing the different realities that coexist in the classroom and in the education system in general.

“Education Testing” is part of a series of events organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU to tackle everyday questions, such as education or art from various scientific perspectives. The seminar is run by the Doctor in Psychology Marta Ferrero.

Entry is free, but places are limited and an e-mail must be sent to the following address kzk.ehu@gmail.com, indicating your name, surnames and work centre.

Speakers:

The conference will consist of a series of presentations lasting between 20 and 30 minutes which will contrast the educational practices currently in use with scientific evidence.

The presentation titled “Autism and education: Problems and patterns in the classroom”, by José Ramón Alonso, Doctor in Biology and Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Salamanca, will discuss the concept of autism, its possible causes and the most common treatments with the aim of identifying specific guidelines that can help teachers deal with this cognitive disorder in the classroom.

Starting from the premise that there is a wide gap between research and educational practice, the Doctor in Psychology Marta Ferrero will address the details of strategies that have now become “public enemies” of the system: assessments and homework. Ferrero will explain based on scientific evidence how these educational practices, when used correctly, can constitute an important tool for teachers.

Beronika Azpillaga, associate Professor in the Department of Research and Diagnosis Methods in Education at the UPV/EHU will present the results of two research projects that have been developed in the Basque Country in the field of effectiveness and improvement for schools. Azpillaga will explain the results of the diagnostic assessment and the achievement levels obtained statistically in the studies, led by Professor Luis Lizasoain.

Joana Acha, a Professor in the Department of Basic Psychological Processes and their Development at the UPV/EHU will review the most effective prevention and intervention methods used to develop basic skills associated with dyslexia. The specialist in children’s cognitive processes will provide evidence of the changes to the brain that accompany acquiring such skills.

The Doctor in Psychology Joaquín Morís will discuss the role that memory has in teaching and learning processes. The expert will review some of the most important concepts related to the field of memory, and will analyse the evidence-based techniques that are derived from these concepts and how they can be applied to daily practice in the classroom.

The day will end with a talk by Inger Enkvist, Professor of Spanish Philology at the University of Lund, Sweden. The expert will bring the ins and outs of the Swedish education system closer to the locals of Bizkaia. Between 1962 and 1985 the Nordic country adopted a series of education laws that introduced what the British call “comprehensive school”, that is, a single option for all students from the age of 7 to 16.

In his presentation, Enkvist will mention the discussions prior to the first decision made in 1962, the protests, the difficulties and the consequences of imposing this school system for education in Sweden. Now, more than fifty years later, the expert will lay on the table the need for reform in order to cope with a new social situation.

The programme is completed with a final discussion in which attendees and speakers will share their different points of view and exchange questions and opinions.

Programme:

09:00 – 09:10 Access

09:10 – 9:20 Presentation

09:20 – 09:50 “Autism and education: Problems and patterns in the classroom”, José Ramón Alonso.

09:50 – 10:20 “Assessments and homework: Public enemies or faithful allies?”, Marta Ferrero.

10:20 – 10:50 “School effectiveness and improvement in the Basque Country: Case Studies”, Beronika Azpillaga.

10:50 – 11:20 Break

11:20 – 11:50 “Intervention for dyslexia: From scientific evidence to educational practice”, Joana Acha.

11:50 – 12:20 “The role of memory in the teaching-learning process”, Joaquin Moris.

12:20 – 12:50 “How to destroy a good education system. The Swedish example”, Inger Enkvist.

12:50 – 13:30 Closing Discussion

Regenerative Medicine: Using Stem Cells to Treat Human Diseases
2018-01-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Research carried out over the past twenty years has found that the regeneration capacity of damaged tissue is connected to the presence of specific stem cells. This is precisely the premise on which regenerative medicine and cell therapy are based, where advanced therapy drugs are used to treat certain human diseases.

But which scientific principles justify the use of these drugs and which regulatory and scientific difficulties must be overcome in order to use them in clinical practice? Dr Felipe Prósper Cardoso, Head of the Cellular Therapy Unit and Co-director of the Haematology Unit at the Navarra University Clinic will discuss the reality and future challenges of cell therapies at a talk entitled “Regenerative Medicine: Using Stem Cells to Treat Human Diseases”, at 7pm on 31 January, at Bidebarrieta Library in Bilbao (Calle Bidebarrieta, 4).

Doctor in Pharmaceutical Technology at the UPV/EHU, Gorka Orive, will be in charge of leading this talk, which is part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series organised every month by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

All the talks are free, subject to available seating. For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live here.

Achucarro Forum: Brain, Mind and Autoimmunity
2017-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Dock Bilbao auditórium, Uribitarte pasealekua 6, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Our immune system can modify the function of several brain receptors by synthesising antibodies. This phenomenon causes behaviour, memory and personality changes, and psychosis. Nowadays, thanks to the development of diagnostic tests, we are able to identify these problems and treat them adequately. These processes are also natural models of neuronal diseases, so they help us to better understand how the human brain works.

Neurologist and researcher Josep Dalmau will be talking about these autoimmune brain diseases at a talk entitled “Brain, Mind and Autoimmunity“.

The talk will take place on 26 October in the Auditorium of Dock Bilbao, and is part of the Achucarro Forum series of talks organised by Achucarro, the Basque Center for Neuroscience, with the aim of raising awareness of brain research and its diseases. The talk is being organised together with the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU.

The talk will be in Spanish and admission is free, subject to available seating. Attendance must be confirmed by writing an email to forum@achucarro.org or calling 94 601 81 35.

Mestizajes / 3rd International Conference on Literature and Science
2017-10-23 18:00 - 21:00 | San Telmo Museoa, Zuloaga plaza, 1, Donostia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

What is matter? How can a group of atoms lead to life? How is it possible that a cluster of neurons makes us conscious? The answer to these questions varies depending on whether they are analysed from the point of view of science, literature or humanities. The link between these disciplines, however, is closer than we think. In this context, the Mestizajes programme aims to foster intellectual diversity and break away from hyper-specialisation of knowledge, so that literature, science and humanities can complement each other for mutual enrichment.

Prominent professionals like writer Luisa Etxenike, physicist Jose Edelstein, philologist Jordi Fortuny and others will try to promote dialogue between these three forms of knowledge at the 3rd International Conference on Literature and Science. This time it will focus on matter, life and consciousness.

The talks, that are open to the public, will take place on 23, 24 and 25 October at San Telmo Museum in San Sebastian, from 6-9pm. All the talks will be in Spanish and admission is free.

Mestizajes is organised by the Donostia International Physics Centre (DIPC), in partnership with the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), the Materials Physics Centre (CFM), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU).

Programme:

Monday, 23 October 2017

6pm – 7.20pm Matter, Literature and Science

Luisa Etxenike, writer, and José Edelstein, Department of Particle Physics of the University of Santiago de Compostela

Moderator: Gustavo A. Schwartz, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) CFM / DIPC – San Sebastian

7.20pm – 7.40pm Break

7.40pm – 9pm Matter and Writing: Return Trips

Menchu Gutiérrez, poet, and Germán Sierra, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the University of Santiago de Compostela

Moderator: Carlos López de Silanes de Miguel, Neurologist and Doctor of History of Science at the University Hospital of Torrejón (Madrid)

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

6pm – 6.40pm: Language and Thinking: The Search for the Perfect Language

Jordi Fortuny, Department of Catalan Philology and General Linguistics of the University of Barcelona

6.40 pm – 7.20pm: Non-linear Dynamics, Forks and Chance in Digital Literature

Belén Gache, writer and poet, Madrid

Moderator: Kepa Ruiz-Mirazo, Basque Centre for Biophysics – Department of Logic and Philosophy of the University of the Basque Country

7.20pm – 7.40pm: Break

7.40pm – 9pm: Evolution, Life, Complexity and Consciousness

Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, Director of the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU, and Xurxo Mariño, Professor of Physiology at the University of A Coruña

Moderator: José Edelstein, Department of Particle Physics of the University of Santiago de Compostela

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

6pm – 7.20pm Material Nature of Consciousness: Bonds of Music and Poetry

Elixabete Etxebeste, Music Philosophy and Aesthetics and Ethnomusicology at Musikene, and Amalia Iglesias, philologist, poet and cultural journalist

Moderator: Víctor Bermúdez, Donostia International Physics Centre

7.20pm – 7.40pm Break

7.40 – 8.20 Neuroscience, Reading and Literature

Manuel Carreiras, Scientific Director at Basque Centre on Cognition, Brain and Language

7.20pm – 9pm Neuroconscious Literature: Poets Thinking that they Think, Vicente Luis Mora, writer, poet and literary critic

Moderator: Isabel Jaén Portillo, Portland State University – USA

Bizkaia Zientzia Plaza, accessible and fun science for everyone
2017-09-14 00:00 - 2017-09-24 23:59 | Euskalduna Jauregia (Bilbo); Bizkaia Aretoa (Bilbo); Beikozini (Ondarroa); Musika Eskola (Getxo); Lasarte Aretoa (Igorre); Kafe Antzokia (Bilbo)
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Bizkaia will become the perfect scientific setting thanks to the scientific dissemination festival created for people of all ages that will be held from 14 to 24 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre and the Bizkaia Aretoa (UPV/EHU), in Bilbao. The event will also extend to other cities of this historical territory.

During its first edition, the Bizkaia Zientzia Plaza will host a total of seven events over a 10-day period, which will address different aspects of scientific life. The events will have different registers and formats, such as conferences, shows and workshops. These events include the celebration of the seventh edition of Naukas Bilbao, that will extend its programme the same year it moves into the main auditorium of the Euskalduna Conference Centre; the Science+ congress focuses on young researchers, where they will address the professional alternatives available in the field of science; and the Jakinduriek mundue erreko dau (Knowledge will burn the world) (Bertsozientzia) initiative, an original combination of bertsolarismo (improvised traditional Basque singing) and science, performing at the capital city of Bizkaia as well as in Ondarroa, Igorre and Getxo.

It is the ideal setting to hear first hand from the best science communicators, learn about the work that is being carried out at the research centres and enjoy science from a new and fun point of view.

The event, which is organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture (UPV/EHU), the Bizkaia Provincial Council, Euskampus Fundazioa and Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) is the first of its class in the country and will be broadcast live on the EiTB website. Entrance to the conferences and activities is completely free; however it is necessary to register beforehand for the kids’ workshops (Naukas Kids).

List of events:

Ciencia Show (14 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre): Scientific monologue contest, with the participation of secondary school students.

Naukas Pro (14 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre): Session in which science will come out of the research centres to meet the general public to share the work of the researchers.

Naukas Bilbao (15-16 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre): Great scientific dissemination show, during which over 60 speakers will share with the public their passion for an immense range of scientific disciplines in a daring and fun way.

Naukas Kids (17 September at the Euskalduna Conference Centre): Focused on children and teens, Naukas Kids will showcase the most fun and friendly science through workshops, presentations and shows.

Scenio (17 September at the Bizkaia Aretoa – UPV/EHU): The most creative science: shows, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations of scientific and educational video games, etc., alongside youtubers, graphic designers and scientific educators.

Science+ (18-20 September at the Bizkaia Aretoa – UPV/EHU): Congress for young scientists and researchers, which will address the professional alternatives available in the field of science.

Jakinduriek mundue erreko dau (Knowledge will burn the world). Bertsozientzia (21-24 September at Ondarroa, Getxo, Igorre and Bilbao): At this show, bertsolaris (traditional Basque singers) and researchers will share the stage to find the perfect rhyme under the direction of Kike Amonarriz.

For further information on Bizkaia Zientzia Plaza and the events, please visit the website: bzp.eus.

Molecular approaches, methods and techniques in animal ecology
2017-07-28 10:00 - 2017-07-30 17:00 | Miramar Palace, Mirakontxa pasealekua, 48, Donostia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Molecular ecology comprises a wide diversity of genetic-based methodological and technical approaches to address ecological and evolutionary questions. This course will focus on general concepts, current techniques and key aspects for the experimental design of molecular studies applied to animal ecology using bats as model species. Particularly, the course will go into detail about population genomics, DNA metabarcoding for diet studies and shotgun metagenomics applied to gut microbiota.

Objectives

This course aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical and technical ground for choosing appropriate approaches and for developing correct experimental designs when conceiving molecular studies of wildlife ecology.

Cervantes the Star and its Exoplanets
2017-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

In December 2015 a subgiant star that is 49.8 light years from Earth was named Cervantes. There are four exoplanets orbiting this celestial body in the Ara constellation, forming a new planet system. These exoplanets are called Quijote, Rocinante, Dulcinea and Sancho.

The proposal by Pamplona Planetarium, the Society of Spanish Astronomers and Instituto Cervantes won the popular vote after the International Astronomical Union launched a process for choosing a name for this recently discovered planet system.

At this talk & discussion, “Cervantes the Star and its Exoplanets”, Javier Gorgas, Astrophysics Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid and Chairman of the Society of Spanish Astronomers, will be talking about this initiative and will explain what this system is like physically and how exoplanets are discovered.

The event will take place on 22 July at 7pm at Bidebarrieta Library (Bilbao). The talk will be in Spanish and admission is free.

Katedra, customized scientific content in the mobile phone
2017-07-14 00:00 - 2017-08-31 23:59 | Android: Google Play iOS: iTunes
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

UPV/EHU’s Scientific Culture Chair has developed a mobile app. All the videos, articles, events, podcasts and every other content in the mobile phone. The app supports three languages: Basque, Spanish and English.

Contents from Zientzia Kaiera, Cuaderno de Cultura Científica, Mujeres con Ciencia, Mapping Ignorance and Zientzia.info will feed the app, including articles, events, podcasts, videos, etc.

The app is available for Android and iOS. After installing, the user can set up the app language and subscribe to the contents of interest.

The user can choose the type of content by both, language and subject. The app offers contents published in Basque, Spanish and English and the user can subscribe to contents in one or more than one language.

There are twelve subjects to choose from: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geosciences, Astronomy, Neuroscience, Medicine, Technology, History, Philosophy of Science and Gender and Science. Again, the user can subscribe to one, any combination of them or all of them.

The interface is divided in four sections: Inbox, Blogs, Events and Videos.

Inbox

At first, this section will be empty. When new content of the subscribed subjects and languages is published, the user will receive a notification, once the notification is opened the contents will appear in Inbox.

Blogs

All five blogs of the Scientific Culture Chair are available here and can be surfed within the app.

Events

Events in the subscribed languages are listed here.

Videos

As they are published, the videos appear in this section.

Enjoy scientific’s contents in summer with Katedra!

Summer Course of UPV/EHU: "A Scientific Adventure: From Subatomic Particles to Knowledge"
2017-07-10 09:00 - 2017-07-12 13:00
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

In order to acquire and shape knowledge we need to receive and create information, and for these processes we have a machine – which we call cognitive – which is made up of various receptor systems and a central device: the brain. Science has enabled us to unravel many of the elements that take part in this process – from the nature of the signals we receive from the outside and the mechanisms of transduction, transmission and neural processing of these signals, to the way in which the brain builds images, sounds, feelings, emotions and knowledge.

These are the key concepts we will be covering on this summer course of the University of the Basque Country. We will explore these processes over several different sessions, focusing especially on the way in which we perceive and process smells, music, art and language, which are essential parts of human emotions and knowledge. And we will finish by analysing the limits imposed on human knowledge as a result of the studied phenomena.

The course, which is promoted by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Ikerbasque Foundation, will take place at Miramar Palace in San Sebastián, from 10 to 12 July, with the following programme:

10 July

Fernando Cossío (Faculty of Chemistry, UPV/EHU; San Sebastián): Introduction: A Journey Through Matter

Joaquín Sevilla (Public University of Navarre, Pamplona): The Nature of Light and Sound

Xabier López (DIPC and Faculty of Chemistry, UPV/EHU; San Sebastián): The Light in your Eyes: The Receptor Molecule

Miren Bego Urrutia (Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU; Leioa): From the Senses to the Brain: Transducers

11 July

Antonio Martínez Ron (Next, Vozpópuli; Madrid): The Journey of Light

José Ramón Alonso (Faculty of Biology, University of Salamanca; Salamanca): From Floating Molecules to Uncontrolled Emotions

Almudena Martín Castro (Faculty of Sciences, UNED; StyleSage; Madrid): Music, Physics and Meaning

Clara Martin (BCBL, Ikerbasque; San Sebastián): The Electric Brain Perceives Language

12 July

Itziar Laka (Faculty of Arts, UPV/EHU; Vitoria): Condemned to Sense

Deborah García Bello (Dimetilsulfuro; A Coruña): The Significance of Materials in Contemporary Art

Luís Martínez (Institute of Neuroscience of Alicante, CSIC-Miguel Hernández University; Alicante): The Recreative Mind

Juan Ignacio Pérez (Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU): The Limits of Knowledge

Summer Course of UPV/EHU: "Culture with M for Maths: A Mathematical View of Art and Culture"
2017-07-06 09:00 - 2017-07-07 13:30 | Bizkaia Aretoa-EHU, Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

If we think of art as a way of interpreting the world we live in, we inevitably find connections with philosophy and science in general, and with maths in particular. Nowadays the close relationship between art and maths is no longer a surprise. For mathematicians, the aesthetic beauty of a mathematical result is similar to that of architectural symmetry or literary elegance. What’s more, maths often take part in the conception and creation process of a work of art.

These and other topics will be covered by prominent experts at a course called “Culture with M for Maths: A Mathematical View of Art and Culture”, which will take place on 6 and 7 June at the Bizkaia Aretoa building in the UPV/EHU (Bilbao). The presentations are part of the UPV/EHU’s 36th summer courses.

This course will offer the chance to examine in detail some examples of this relationship, from plastic to audiovisual arts (literature, games, video games, design), including the history of art and of science.

Official Website of the Course.

Programme:

6 July

9 – 9.15am Distribution of materials and course introduction

9.15 – 10.30am Raúl Ibáñez Torres (UPV/EHU): Fermat’s Last Theorem in Literature

10.45am – 12pm Aida Inmaculada Conejo Pérez (Brains María Lombillo School): What is an origamist doing in the NASA? Origami: Art that Became Engineering

12.15 – 1.30pm Julia Sánchez Sanz (Digipen) Maths in Video Games

4.30 – 6.30pm Mathematical Games Workshop (Optional)

7 July

9.15 – 10.30am Pedro Alegría Ezquerra (UPV/EHU): Historical Role of Magic in Recreational Mathematics

10.45am – 12pm Aida Inmaculada Conejo Pérez (Brains María Lombillo School): Strong but Flexible: Tensegrity

12.15 – 1.30pm Elena González Miranda (UPV/EHU): Graphic Multiverse: Geometric Composition in Design

International Conference Art, Illustration and Visual Culture in Preschool and Primary Education
2017-06-26 09:00 - 2017-07-01 14:00 | http://congresoarteilustracion.org
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Childhood relationships with arts and contemporary visual culture are progressively more intense and complex. In previous editions of the Conference different aspects related to the diverse connections between art, visual culture and childhood have been examined. This edition aims to tackle aspects concerning educational mediation that implies an increasing attention to children’s art and visual culture context and vice-versa.

This phenomenon includes what is usually known in the world of visual arts as educational change, highlighting at least two questions: on one hand the awareness of the educational dimension that the artistic action entails which has been very probably ignored in the past. In consequence, on the other hand, the opening of a new field of activity for artists, designers, illustrators, children’s publishers and cultural institutions that find in this way to perceive art a spur to renew their proposals.

All of us are aware of the significance of the changes that the social habits, the new interactions with culture supported by the current technologies or determinate pedagogical trends just arrived at schools mean for this new way of relating childhood with arts and visual culture. Therefore, we have also considered that this edition of the conference could not avoid trying to analyze the complexity of this situation. As well we wanted to take advantage of the collaboration in the conference of a new cultural project very linked to this phenomenon, Tabakalera of Donostia.

To start with, it is interesting to observe that, especially in the context of museums and cultural institutions, the term of mediation is the one to have crystallized. This fact is understandable if we bear in mind that as a result of this educational change these institutions can be seen as the link between population and culture producers. However, at the educational context, we rather talk about education, stressing the purpose of the cultural activity that we carry out instead of the role that we play in it. This terminological discrepancy is the reflection of the positions and the cultural politics that are boosted from each institutional field. For this reason, we think that it is important to tackle in this edition of the Conference reflections on conceptions on mediation, art, visual culture, education or childhood that underlie in these actions.

It is also interesting to observe the phenomenon from the point of view of the topics and individuals of the proposals of educational mediation: who are the actors, who are the recipients, who or what remains excluded. In this regard, we could not avoid such present phenomena like the discussion about the identity of the artist as educator or the educator as artist, as well as the questions that arise about the place that children occupy in the curator practices, activities of museums, art institutions or visual proposals in the field of illustration.

Talking about mediation necessarily involves a careful study of the type of processes that such activity involves. For that purpose, the Conference offers an opportunity to explore the connections that can be settled among artistic institutions, publishing proposals and educational institutions. The division of roles between the cultural institutions and the school, among commissioners, museum educators, illustrators, artists and faculty entails the coexistence of a large disparity of educational strategies and methodological perspectives in the acts of mediation that need to be critically assessed. Thus, this is the moment to display the current experiences and practices of mediation that are being developed at art institutions, schools, publishing projects or daily activities of artists and educators. This is pertinent in order to better evaluate the interactions that occur amongst all the agents that take part in these actions of mediation, the proposed programs, the processes that are generated and the obtained results.

The task that we pose, as it is evident, is as ambitious as it is necessary. It will not be easy to answer all these questions, but we are sure that the Conference will contribute to clear many of them.

13 th European Conference on Surface Crystallography and Dynamics (ECSCD13)
2017-06-19 15:00 - 2017-06-21 17:00 | Miramar Palace, Mirakontxa pasealekua, 48, Donostia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The European Conference on Surface Crystallography and Dynamics (ECSCD) is aimed at discussing the recent advances on the characterization of dynamical processes and structure of surfaces, as well as their interplay, at the atomic length scale. The first edition of the conference took place in 1985 in Erlangen (Germany), and it has become a well established meeting point for the surface science community. In its 13th edition, it will tackle two-dimensional materials, single molecules on surfaces, characterization by LEEM and PEEM, oxides, and other representative topics of present-day surface science. Following the ECSCD tradition, networking between experimentalists and theoreticians will be encouraged, bringing together experienced and young researchers working in the field.

Organizing Committee:

– María Blanco-Rey (chair) , UPV/EHU

– Martina Corso, CFM-CSIC-UPV/EHU

– Aran García-Lekue, DIPC

– Celia Rogero, CFM-CSIC-UPV/EHU

– Karmela Alonso Arreche (secretary), DIPC

Objectives

The ECSCD takes place every two or three years. The first edition took place in 1985 in Erlangen (Germany), and it has become a well established meeting point for the surface science community. It is aimed at discussing the recent advances on the characterisation of the structure and dynamical processes of surfaces.

1. Sustain and strengthen the status of the ECSCD series as a popular international meeting point for surface scientists.

2. The 13th edition in 2017 will temptatively cover the following list of topics: (i) single molecules on surfaces, (ii) dynamical processes, (iii) graphene and two-dimensional materials, (iv) advances in surface characterization by LEEM and PEEM, (v) nanostructured surfaces, (vi) oxide surfaces, and (vii) reactions on surfaces. Temptatively, there will be three keynote talks and 12 invited talks representative of those topics.

3. The conference allows for expertise exchange between researchers working on a wide variety of experimental techniques for surface characterisation. Methods range from traditional vacuum surface science to high-pressure environments, X-ray spectroscopies, electron microscopies, etc. On the theoretical side, we expect a number of researchers who perform density-functional-theory-related studies, as well as other approaches that serve to interpret experimental data. Interaction between experimentalists and theoretitians will be encouraged.

4. The scope of ECSCD will attract many local research groups with interest in surface science, which are based in UPV/EHU, DIPC, CFM-CSIC-UPV/EHU, NanoGune, etc. It will thus promote the visibility of this broad community of local researches.

Insulin "micro-factories" to treat diabetes
2017-06-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Azkuna Zentroa, Auditorium, Arrikibar plaza, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Diabetes is an epidemic that mainly affects the more developed countries. In Spain, more than 5 million people over the age of 18 suffer from it (13.8% of the population). This disease affects such vital organs as the kidneys, eyesight, heart or the nervous system, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Thanks to the latest technology, a group of researchers aim to develop drugs that work as small insulin “micro-factories” implemented in patients that will control their level of glucose and avoid the need for insulin injections.

Gorka Orive, Doctor in Pharmaceutical Technology at the UPV/EHU, will talk about this innovative solution at the “Insulin “micro-factories” to treat diabetes” conference.

This talk is part of Zientziateka, a monthly series of conferences organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

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

“Se non è vero…” post-truth, alternative facts and informative spam
2017-06-13 09:00 - 14:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa, Baroja aretoa, Abandoibarra 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

They say we live in the post-truth era. A term that is used to describe the situation in which emotional appeals and personal beliefs have a greater influence when creating a public opinion than hard facts and verified data.

On many occasions this leads us to underestimate scientific knowledge and a realistic approach from empirical methods. In this context, the university faces the challenge of promoting a critical spirit within society and build a conversation based on verified facts.

To reflect upon these matters and unmask the concept of post-truth, the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and the ehuGune forum have organised a conference under the title “Se non è vero…” post-truth, alternative facts and informative spam, which will be held on 13 June at the Bizkaia Aretoa university building.

This interdisciplinary meeting will include the participation of experts from many different academic areas such as biology, philosophy, political science and sociology, among others.

Admission is free; however it is necessary to register in advance for the event by emailing joxerramon.bengoetxea@ehu.es. The talks will be in Spanish.

Programme:

09:15 Opening session: Nekane Balluerka, rector of the UPV/EHU

09:30 – 09:45 “Through history: Pyrrho (Elis, 3rd century BC), things and speech (Hobbes, 17th century) and skepsis in the digital era”, Professor Joseba Agirreazkuenaga

09:45 – 11:00 Fundamentals (1st round table)

“Every ideology created its own alternative facts”, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias (Chair of Scientific Culture)

“Against whom are we losing the war?”, César Tomé López (Chair of Scientific Culture)

“Providing sense to appearance”, Helena Matute (University of Deusto)

“The falsehoods of post-truth”, Javier Echeverria (Jakiunde)

10:45- 11:00 debate (Moderated by Xabier Aierdi, ehuGune)

11:00 – 11:15 Coffee Break

11:15 – 12:30 Post-truth and political correctness (2nd round table)

“The truths of post-politics”, Pedro Ibarra (UPV/EHU)

“Nationalism and post-truth in the Internet era”, Daniele Conversi (Ikerbasque, UPV/EHU)

“Social networks reaffirm your beliefs, even if they are wrong”, Uxune Martinez (Euskampus)

“Pre- and post-truth”, Xabier Aierdi

12:15 – 12:30 debate (Moderated by Joxerramon Bengoetxea, ehuGune)

12:30 – 13:45 Facts and Stories (3rd round table)

“Plausibility: the insidious costume of post-truth”, Juan Igartua (UPV/EHU)

“Facts, multiple stories and re-conceptualisation”, Mari Luz Esteban (UPV/EHU)

“International Relationships/Intertextual Relationships, Noé Cornago (UPV/EHU)

“Post-truth: a new season for Public Relations”, Esti Leon (Innobasque)

13:30 – 13:45 debate

13:45 – 14:15 General Debate (Debate and proposals for the future) (Moderated by Luis Mendizabal, collaborator of ehuGune)

The recovery of an architectural treasure: the Punta Begoña Galleries
2017-05-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo) are one of the most significant constructions in the Basque Country from the early 20th century due to the peculiarity of their use, the uniqueness of their location and the technology used in their construction. With the aim of recovering this building, a multidisciplinary research and restoration process that is open to the public has been implemented. Therefore, various groups of experts from the UPV/EHU and the UNESCO Chair on Cultural Landscape and Heritage are analysing the materials of the building, studying the geology of the area, carrying out conservation works on the paintings and ceramics and analysing the testimonies on the use of this infrastructure.

Four representatives of these groups will give a joint talk (in Spanish) under the title of “The recovery of an architectural treasure: the Punta Begoña Galleries” on 24th May at the Azkuna Zentroa (Bilbao).

This conference is part of Zientziateka, a monthly series of conferences organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country, Azkuna Zentroa, Euskampus Fundazioa and supported by Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

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

The Universes Beyond the Horizon
2017-05-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

According to several observations, a large part of the universe is expanding. The Earth is in a region of the universe where that kind of violent expansion has already finished. However, other regions are constantly being created in this process of explosive evolution, with properties that are very different to ours. This has led to the idea of the existence of parallel universes – a phenomenon also known as “multiverse”.

Scientist Alexander Vilenkin, director of the Institute of Cosmology at Tufts University in the US and one of the world’s most renowned cosmologists, will be discussing this theory at a talk called “The Universes Beyond the Horizon”. He will explain where these ideas came from, the observations they are based on and the implications they have for the theories of the origin and future of the universe.

The talk will take place on 17 May in Bidebarrieta Library, in Bilbao, and is organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), the Department of Theoretical Physics and History of Science and the library. The talk will be in English, but simultaneous interpretation into Spanish will be available.

Admission is free but tickets can be collected in advance at Bidebarrieta Library (10-17 May, 10am-2pm / 4-8pm, except Saturday and Sunday) or at this link (10-16 May). Advance tickets will be limited to two per person.

Is the new food pyramid really new?
2017-05-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

A new food pyramid was brought out recently. This document, based on the contributions of more than one hundred food and public health experts, aims to promote healthy eating habits. Some changes that have been made to the guide that came out in 2001 include vitamin and mineral supplements, the difference between fruit and vegetables and advice to limit alcohol consumption even further. Why have these changes been made? What effects will they have?

Edurne Simón, Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), will answer these questions and explain the keys to the new food guide at a talk called “Is the new food pyramid really new?” The event will take place on 9 May at Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao. It will be in Basque and is part of the Zientziateka programme.

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

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

Participative nanofiction comes
2017-05-06 00:00 - 2017-06-11 23:59 | DIPC, Manuel de Lardizabal pasealekua, 4, Donostia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The research centres CIC nanoGUNE and Donostia International Phyisics Center (DIPC) have launched nanoKOMIK for second year in order to create a participatory nanofiction comic that will popularize the advances that are being done in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The challenge 2017 is to create a graphic story about a female or male comic superhero with “nanopowers”, that is, sophisticated skills or powers acquired through nanoscience and nanotechnology. This year there are two categories: one for ages 14-18 and another for anyone aged over 18. In addition to the many prizes to be won, the winner of the adult category shall have the opportunity to create the collective nanofiction comic based on the ideas put forward by young people.

The possibilities that nanoscience offers to imagination are infinite and nature has known how to take advantage of it to create sophisticated nanotechnology. The gecko, for example, climbs through vertical walls and hangs from the ceiling defying gravity thanks to his nanostructured feet. In the same way, the characteristic color change in camaleons is due to the nanocrystal network present in the skin cells of these reptiles. In the website www.nanokomik.com the participants will have available information on this nanopowers and much more to adapt and transform them in their comic.

However, more interesting, without any doubt, is that participants create new and original nanopowers. Short videos developed by DIPC and CIC nanoGUNE researchers will serve as inspiration with that purpose while explaining some fascinating properties that emerge from matter in the nanoscale. To end with and make us into comic cartoonists, we will have a video comic tutorial available that will clarify all our doubts.

During the months of the challenge, comic and science workshops have been organized in high schools of the Basque Country, Barcelona and a special seminar in the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). An itinerant exhibition of the collective comic Dayanne and Murillo. The power of nanoscience, resultant of the first edition, will additionally travel to several cities in our geography.

This project was funded by the Spanish Foundation

Art & Science at TopArte
2017-04-06 19:00 - 2017-05-25 21:00 | Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, Abandoibarra 2, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Art and science are two forms of knowledge that seem distant, mainly because of professional specialisation and compartmentalised education. The study of this artificial separation created the stereotype of the two cultures, of sciences and humanities, to refer to this division of knowledge. The reality is that science and art are indeed connected and that no form of knowledge is impervious to another. To mention a few examples: How could a work of plastic art be created without techniques generated by science? How could we interpret the choice of materials?

These and other issues will be dealt with by outstanding professionals: artists, illustrators, philosophers and scientists, who have put the spotlight on that diffuse line linking science with art. The Science & Art season will be conducted under the leadership of Deborah García Bello over four days and will be held on alternate Thursdays in April (6 and 27) and in May (11 and 25) 2017 from 19:00 to 21:00 in the auditorium of the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.

This activity of the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU is part of the TopARTE programme which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao.

Programme:

6/4/2017 – “Science that stores and reveals our artistic heritage”, with Oskar González, Ainhoa Sanz López de Heredia and Aitziber Velasco.

27/4/2017 – “Knowledge and representation of natural events”, with Xavier Durán, Clara Cerviño and José Ramón Marcaida.

11/5/2017 – “Analogies between art and science as forms of knowledge”, with Pau Alsina and Juan Luis Moraza.

25/5/2017 – “Science as a tool of art”, with Jacobo Castellano, Deborah García Bello and Sergio Prego.

Candida auris, the fungus that has caused an international health alert
2017-04-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Over the past few months, several national and international agencies have issued various alerts on the expansion of a type of fungus, called Candida auris, which causes serious infections in critical hospital patients. This infectious agent is hard to identify, is highly resistant to existing drugs, and can cause high mortality rates. It has been especially present to date in countries like Spain, Denmark and the US.

Guillermo Quindós, Professor of Microbiology at the UPV/EHU, will explain about this organism at a talk called “Candida auris, the fungus that has caused an international health alert”.

The session will take place on 4 April at Azkuna Zentroa (Bilbao) and will be in Spanish. It is part of Zientziateka, a monthly series of conferences organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

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

Produce or perish: Science under pressure
2017-03-31 09:00 - 18:30 | Bizkaia Aretoa, Baroja aretoa, Abandoibarra 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

The expression ‘publish or perish’ is popular in the scientific world, since it shows the importance of publications in the curricula of the research staff. There is more to science than observing, obtaining results and reaching conclusions. One also has to make it public and, if possible, in journals with high international impact. Science that isn’t shared, that isn’t published, doesn’t exist. The problem is that the professional success of researchers depends on this, as do their chances of stability and promotion. Which is why this expression is so popular.

But the communication world also has its rules. Media wants people to consume what has been published. Just like science that isn’t published doesn’t exist, in communication, the contents that are not consumed don’t exist either. In other words, the papers that are not read, the radio programmes that are not heard, the TV programmes that are not watched or the websites that are not visited, they don’t exist. In media, we could say ‘be seen, listened or read… or perish’.

And both arenas meet in this interesting common ground. Of course, in scientific communication or dissemination the confluence is obvious. Here, both needs meet, the need of making research results public and making them reach the largest amount of people are shared goals.

The problem is that the pressure to publish and have communicative impact can lead to both professional groups to adopt dishonest behaviours that are contrary to professional ethics and that may completely distort the purpose of Science and its transfer to the entire social body. It may also lead, and in fact has led, to the creation of a system of scientific publications with pathologies.

All of these issues shall be addressed on 31 March, in the seminar “Produce or perish: Science under pressure” that the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU has organised alongside the Spanish Association of Scientific Communication (AECC). For this, we have a group of wonderful professionals (scientists, lawyers, journalists) with accredited experience who will discuss these topics.

To attend the event, it is necessary to register by writing to: jornadas@aecomunicacioncientifica.org

Programme:

Morning session

9:15 Presentation: Spanish Association of Scientific Communication – Chair of Scientific Culture.

9:30-10:00 “Scientists endorsing nonsense”. José M. López Nicolás, Biochemistry Professor at the University of Murcia. Author of the Scientia blog.

10:00-11:00 Round table: “Owners of knowledge”.

Participants: Julián de Juan, Estrategia π; Ignasi Labastida i Juan, University of Barcelona; Javier de la Cueva, lawyer. Moderator: Elena Lázaro, journalist and technical coordinator of the UCC+i (Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation) of the University of Córdoba.

11:00-11:30 Break.

11:30-12:00 “Journalists endorsing nonsense”. José A. Pérez Ledo.

12:00-13:00 Round table: “Anything for clicks and audience ratings”.

Participants: Eva Caballero, Radio Euskadi; Antonio Martínez Ron, journalist and science populariser; Luis Alfonso Gámez, journalist of El Correo. Moderator: Alex Fernández Muerza, scientific and environmental journalist.

Afternoon session

15:30-16:00 “Pathological science and editorial pathology”. Joaquín Sevilla, person responsible for the Dissemination of Knowledge at the UPNA (Public University of Navarre).

16:00-16:30 “Open science vs. Closed science”. Eva Méndez, Carlos III University of Madrid.

16:30-17:00 Break.

17:00-17:30 “Scientific journalism or ‘papers’ journalism?” Ángela Bernardo, scientific editor at Hipertextual.

17:30-18:00 “Darwin in the newsroom. The evolution of the image of science in Spanish press”. Ana Victoria Pérez Rodríguez, Director at the DiCYT Agency.

18:00: Closing speech: Spanish Association of Scientific Communication – Chair of Scientific Culture

Education Testing
2017-03-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Bizkaia Aretoa-EHU, Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 3, Bilbo
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Are the current education systems and programmes effective? The debate generated around this topic has increased in recent years. Many experts argue that educational theory and practice implemented in centres is lacking scientific evidence. The effort and resources used in these practices of questionable usefulness force other theories whose effectiveness has been proven to be pushed aside.

In order to deal with this situation, the Bizkaia Aretoa in Bilbao will host the conference entitled “Education Testing” on 17th March from 9am to 1pm, in which various experts will discuss questions related to education from a scientific point of view.

“Education Testing” forms part of a series of events organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU to tackle everyday questions, such as education or art from a scientific perspective.

Entry is free, but an e-mail must be sent to the following address kzk.ehu@gmail.com indicating your name, surnames and work centre.

Speakers:

The conference will consist of a series of presentations lasting between 20 and 30 minutes which will contrast the educational practices currently in use with scientific evidence.

In the presentation entitled “Study into school effectiveness in the Basque Country”, Beronika Azpillaga and Luis Lizasoain, members of the Basque Institute for Research and Evaluation in Education, will present the results of a study carried out to identify good teaching practices used in high performing schools in the Basque Country.

Then, the Doctor in Education, Juan Cruz Ripoll, will question the official protocols to deal with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as the guidance on the internet portal like leer.es, an initiative from the Ministry for Education, Culture and Sport, which seeks to encourage reading. In spite of the official support for both of them, Ripoll argues that they lack a scientific base and relegate other practices that are better founded on research.

The teacher and disseminator, Albert Reverter, will look at diverse pseudo-scientific questions in education, such as the theory through which people learn better if taught through their preferred learning style. He will also look at the so-called “brain gym” which consists of a series of exercises aimed at activating the brain, fostering neurological restructuring and facilitating the ability to learn. In spite of its great popularity, there are no scientific studies that support its effectiveness.

The presentation by the Doctor in Psychology, Marta Ferrero, will deal with the most extended education misconceptions among teaching staff. She will identify the factors that facilitate or provoke the growing appearance of pseudo-scientific ideas in the school environment and will propose some solutions at different levels.

The conference will conclude with a talk by the teacher, educator and Doctor in Philosophy, Gregorio Luri, in defence of internal and external school assessment, which, in his opinion, is needed to collect data on the errors committed and the real progress achieved, and to draw conclusions that enable the education system to be improved.

Programme:

9 – 9.10am Entry

9.10 – 9.20am Presentation

9.20 – 10am Beronika Azpillaga and Luis Lizasoain: “Study into school effectiveness in the Basque Country“

10 – 10.30am Juan Cruz Ripoll: “The lost science: the curious cases of the ADHD and leer.es protocols“

10.30 – 11am Albert Reverter: “From Myth to Fact: Hemispheres, Brain Gym and Learning Styles“

11 – 11.20am Break

11.20 – 11.50am Marta Ferrero: “Education misconceptions among teaching staff: prevalence, causes and solutions“

11.50am – 12.20pm Gregorio Luri: “In favour of objective school assessment“

12.20 – 1pm Closing Discussion

New Strategies to Combat ‘Superbugs’
2017-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health in the next few years, according to the World Health Organization. Bacteria suffer genetic mutations which make them resistant to antibiotics, and this leaves us powerless in the battle against them. It is becoming increasingly difficult to treat pneumonia and tuberculosis, for example. New antibiotics are being researched constantly, but this won’t be enough. Scientists are looking for new strategies to face the threat of multi-resistant bacteria.

Itziar Alkorta, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the UPV/EHU, will be talking about these new strategies at a talk called “New Strategies to Combat ‘Superbugs’”. The talk will be in Basque and will take place on 7 March at the Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao.

This event is part of Zientziateka, a monthly series of conferences organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

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

The eyes that will explore the surface of Mars
2017-02-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Azkuna Zentroa, Plaza Arriquibar, 4, Bilbao
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

A research team from the UPV/EHU is participating in the NASA Mars2020 mission, which aims to transport a new scientific vehicle to Mars to explore potential signs of life, evaluate its habitability and improve the study of the Martian climate, atmosphere and geology. These researchers will be responsible for calibrating a camera that will analyse the soil of the red planet, using different spectroscopic measurements, to look for organic signs and determine the mineralogy and the chemical, atomic and molecular composition of the samples located.

The director of this research team, Juan Manuel Madariaga, will talk about this project in a conference entitled “The eyes that will explore the surface of Mars“.

The session will take place on 22 February at Azkuna Zentroa (Bilbao) and will be in Spanish. It is part of Zientziateka, a monthly series of conferences organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

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

An evolutionary explanation of love and the challenges of epigenetics, on Darwin Day 2017 in Bilbao
2017-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Bidebarrieta Liburutegia, Bidebarrieta kalea, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Xehetasunak

Data eta ordua:

Egoitza

On 13 February Bidebarrieta Library is hosting the 11th Darwin Day, a day that commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the author of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. This event, which will start at 7pm, includes two talks by the Dean of the UNED’s Faculty of Philosophy, Jesús Zamora Bonilla, and Professor of Genetics at the UPV/EHU Ana Aguirre.

After these talks there will be a discussion in which the audience will be able to take part. Admission is free but attendees need to pick up an invite at the library.

Zamora will talk about “The survival of the loveliest: the Darwinian view of love” and the different types of reproduction that exist in nature, and about the appearance of emotional bonds like love and friendship in humans. He will also give an explanation, from the point of view of evolution, of the psychological phenomenon of falling in love, and sex as a biological phenomenon.

Aguirre will give a talk called “One thousand and one sides of epigenetics”. She will explain how, after determining the genome sequences of a good number of species, science is working hard to discover how these genomes work. For example, epigenetic changes are being researched. These are an essential mechanism to ensure the correct functioning of organisms and enable them to adapt to the environment. In the field of human health, it has been discovered that epigenetics play a key role in processes such as ageing and cancer.

Speakers

Jesús Zamora Bonilla is Professor of Logic and Science Philosophy, and is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of the National Distance Education University (UNED). His research has been focused mainly on the problem of rationality in science, especially from the point of view of the rationality of scientists seen as social agents. He also has wide experience in scientific dissemination.

Ana Aguirre is Professor of Genetics in the Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). She has taken part in research into the genetic characterisation of human groups, the detection of genotoxic products and the identification of genetic factors in Huntington’s disease, amongst other fields. She has also worked to disseminate the breakthroughs achieved in the field of genetics.

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.
