Digitalizing science communication projects on Space and Sustainability

Banners showcasing EPFL space research and science communication activities. Photo by: Ayako Suzuki

Workshop with Dr. Luc Piguet, Co-founder and CEO of EPFL spin-off ClearSpace SA. Photo by: Ayako Suzuki

In 2021, two science communication projects have been digitalized by Swissnex: the Tranquility Base space escape game and SARNETZ a sustainable region game and workshops. Launched by the Science and Technology Office Tokyo, their goal was to enable hands-on demos when social distancing was still required for the most part of the year. The two projects have also been shown at the Swissnex Mobile at Expo 2020 Dubai where they attracted interest from other parts of the world, including Switzerland.

Tranquility Base

Immersive experience of digital escape game. Photo by: S&T Office Tokyo. Photo by: Ayako Suzuki — Immersive experience of digital escape game. Photo by: S&T Office Tokyo

Tranquility Base is a game that is inspired by the escape game “Switzerland, we’ve had a problem”, developed by an EPFL student association Space@yourService. Now available as an online game using augmented reality technology, the virtual escape game provides information for the players about actual research projects conducted in Switzerland while they are enjoying the thrill of solving puzzles. The escape game was introduced together with the Virtual Reality Universe Project led by the Laboratory of Astrophysics LASTRO at EPFL, which presented a new version of the most detailed map of the Universe. The EPFL Space Center projects were showcased in Tokyo at the Science Museum, BaseQ, which is an innovation hub for business professionals and the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan. The two projects were then presented as highlights of the space week at the Swissnex Mobile/Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020.

SARNETZ

Sartnez game and workshop with Tohoku University, Prof. Fujiyama on the top right. Image by: HSLU/S&T Office Tokyo

Separately, the SARNETZ (Simulation-gAme EneRgia2020 for CO2–NEuTral Zernez) and workshop are based on a true story about scientific investigation and the decision of the people of Zernez. The educational and entertaining experience has attracted students from Japan, the U.A.E. and elsewhere. The participants were inspired by Switzerland’s interdisciplinary approach to raising awareness about the fact that sustainability is not only about the environment, but it also has to be socially and economically acceptable for the people and the future habitants of our regions. After impressing professors and students from six universities all over Japan, the workshops were hosted by Swissnex at the Swiss Pavilion until March 2022.