Open ship on R/V Skagerak attracts hundreds
The R/V Skagerak was a real crowd-puller when it opened to the public during the International Science Festival for the second year in a row. There was a long queue in Frihamnen for two packed days - and on Saturday an extra trip had to be organised to give everyone a chance to get on board.
"It's amazing to have the opportunity to see a research vessel up close," says Sushma Karpurapu, who visited the ship with her son Koushik.
In total, the University of Gothenburg's R/V Skagerak welcomed around 300 curious visitors of all ages, who were able to meet the researchers, captain and crew, and see the advanced technology used in marine research. Matilda Hultman, study advisor at the Department of Marine Sciences, was also there. She talked about the opportunities for studying marine sciences at the University of Gothenburg.
"This is a great way to show what studying at the Department of Marine Sciences can lead to," says Matilda Hultman.
One of the guides on board was PhD student Linnea Henriksson from the Department of Marine Sciences. She showed off the CTD rosette - an instrument that is lowered into the sea to measure conductivity, temperature and depth.
"It is fun to be able to show the sea in a different way than just whales and seals. The water often looks the same, but when you measure things like oxygen and salinity, you can see what is happening below the surface. It's so important to see the whole picture," says Linnea Henriksson.
For Linnea, meeting the public is also an important part of her research role.
"I think it's crucial to open up research environments, especially to children. It can really inspire," says Linnea Henriksson.
‘R/V Skagerak by night’
Saturday evening also offered a completely new feature. At ‘R/V Skagerak by night’, a small group of interested people were taken on an evening trip in the Gothenburg harbour. One of them was Benny Nyberg, who participated together with his son Billys.
"Sometimes you get really lucky. We still walk around mentally intoxicated by what we have experienced, meeting people with great knowledge who also convey it with warmth and a twinkle in their eye - it made the whole experience magical," Benny Nyberg describes 'R/V Skagerak by night'.
Billys, who recently applied for a basic science year, also got an extra dose of motivation for the future, says Benny Nyberg:
"All of you on R/V Skagerak helped and pushed him in the right direction. We bow and thank you for a phenomenal experience!"
