Océanolab, the new Océanopolis marvel | Brest city

No doubt the image of a scientist reclusive in his laboratory, far from the general public, persisted long enough. to OceanopolisAnyway, we decided to break down the barriers.

This is an idea we had about ten years ago, while discussing it with researchers from UBO or the European University’s Sea Institute, says Céline Lerette, scientific director of the ocean park. We felt it would be wise to provide scientists with a space for experimentation in which the general public could enter, and the latter could discuss, exchange, and follow the progress of research.

At work like “Océano”

from any act. This is Océanolab, new 160 m² space (for a sum of just over one million euros) It is located at the direct entrance to Océanopoliswhich opens to the public on March 29.

But what is Océanolab? that it A space where a team of scientists conducts their research just as if they were working in their lab.

On the other hand, the audience literally shares “science in the making.” These teams conduct their research in the long termCeline Lerey says. Namely: one year equals one project. An opportunity for the public to follow the progress of studies undertaken, if they wish, or to attend only once. In all cases, he benefits from the availability of researchers when they are free, or from a scientific medium continually present, whose discourse adapts to the progress of ongoing studies. »

Unique design

The concept is unique, and the success of operations such as Researchers’ Night has more than once demonstrated the public’s appetite for research. Else with Océanolab, “We are not in a simulated experiment. We are in an experiment!”.

How does Belon survive?

In this first year of opening, the “Microcosme” project has been selected.

Offers live visitors A year in the rhythm of life of a pilon oysterwho were exposed in the Océanolab laboratory to the problems they face in their “real life”, affected by the crisis of planetary pollution, climate change, etc.

The following research will address the evolution of abalone snails in the face of environmental changes.