The event is open to the public and is suitable for children and adults. In addition to science shows and lectures, participants can visit some areas in the laboratory buildings. This is a great opportunity to experience OIST's research and the latest science and technology. Program details are updated on this page as needed.
OIST Science Festival 2025
Overview
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:00–16:00
Venue: OIST Main Campus
1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Admission: Free / Registration Required (maximum of 1,500)
How to join
Registration Required
To participate in the event, pre-registration is required. If applications exceed 1,500, a lottery will be held, and results will be emailed by Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Registration period: December 25, 2024 (Wed) 10:00 – January 6, 2025 (Mon) 17:00.
There is no waiting list this year. Thank you for your understanding.
Programs
Note: The following programs require separate reservations. Information on how to reserve will be sent to selected participants after the lottery.
- Science Show: The Visible and Invisible World
- OIST Sonic Lab Sound Tour “Deep Listening to the Sounds Around Us”
- A Fun Exploration into the Mind of Robots
- Microplastic Detectives: Exploring Okinawa's Sands
Auditorium
Science Show: The Visible and Invisible World
How are we able to see the worId around us? Are there colors we can’t see with our eyes? How can we make invisible things visible? Join us as we explore how light affects our daily lives through exciting experiments!
①10:30 – 11:10 ②13:00 – 13:40 ③15:00 – 15:40
Monika Eggenberger
Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit
Jack Featherstone
Nonlinear and Non-equilibrium Physics Unit
All ages
Science Show
Center Bldg.
The Secret Life of Clownfish: Nature’s Colorful Architects!
Do you know clownfish? Where they live, how they reproduce, or why they have such bright colors? Join Prof. Laudet as we uncover the secrets of these fascinating creatures and their unique role in the ocean!
①11:00 – 11:50 ②14:00 – 14:50
Professor Vincent Laudet
Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit
All ages
Kids Lecture
OIST Sonic Lab – Oto(Sounds)/Iro(Colors)
Come and explore a sound and light adventure! As you walk through the tunnel, you'll hear cool sounds from around Okinawa and other man-made sounds. Bright colors will light up the space, making it a fun way to learn how sound, light, and feeling good are all connected. Don’t miss this exciting experience!
All ages
Exhibition
OIST Sonic Lab Sound Tour “Deep Listening to the Sounds Around Us”
Join Nick Luscombe from OIST Sonic Lab for a fun workshop about the power of sound! You’ll learn why listening is important for well-being, hear unique sounds from Okinawa and coral reefs, try "Deep Listening" by sitting quietly in nature, and record your own sounds with your phone to share with the group. We’ll finish by exploring how listening helps us relax and connect with the world around us.
①10:30 – 11:30 ②13:00 – 14:00 ③15:00 – 16:00
*Participants should bring a device to record sound (any phone is fine, but iPhone is preferred). Each session has a capacity of 10 participants.
5th grader +
Hands-on
Lab 1
Weevil Wonders: Discover New Species!
Explore the fascinating world of weevils through posters showcasing new species from Okinawa. Take a close look at real insects! Use a microscope to discover the tiny secrets of these amazing creatures!
All ages
Exhibition/ Hands-on
Microworld: A small world under a big microscope!
The smallest thing we can see with a naked eye is about the thickness of a fine human hair (such as ~ 0.04 mm). Microscopes let us see way beyond that by magnifying the world around us to the point of seeing even individual atoms. We would like to welcome you to explore how complex and fascinating the world we live in is in micro- and nano- scale.
All ages
Exhibition/ Hands-on
Lab 2
Wonders of Ants and OKEON Churamori Project
OKEON Chura Mori Project will have an exhibition with panels showing ants and other animals. In the morning, you can use a microscope to look at Okinawan insect specimens!
Elementary +
Exhibition/ Hands-on
A Fun Exploration into the Mind of Robots
How can robots and humans work together and learn from each other? Let’s explore this through fun demos with the researchers! You’ll discover the amazing abilities of robots!
①10:30 – 10:50 ②11:00 – 11:20 ③11:30 – 11:50 ④13:00 – 13:20 ⑤13:30 – 13:50 ⑥14:30 – 14:50 ⑦15:00 – 15:20
Elementary +
Hands-on
The Marine Biology Gaming Challenge
Test your marine biology knowledge in this fun quiz! Answer 10 questions and get a personalized certificate with your score and photo. Let's see how well you know the ocean!
Elementary +
Hands-on
Lab 3
Welcome to Science! A Peek into Our Lab
Our protein research team will show you what our lab looks like every day. Come see where scientists do their work and learn about the cool things they study. You can also enjoy a great view from the windows!
Elementary +
Exhibition
Let’s dive together into Ocean Adventures with AI and 3D Magic!
Let’s draw ocean animals and go on a big sea adventure with AI and 3D! What will happen to the animals if the ocean gets dirty with trash, or a big storm comes? Let’s explore the amazing ocean world together!
All ages
Hands-on
Exploring the Wonders of Energy!
Let's have fun learning how energy changes and works! With cool experiments and fun activities, you'll discover how energy is part of everyday life.
All ages
Hands-on
Safety First! Transform into a Researcher
Safety is the most important thing when doing scientific experiments! But what should you be careful about to prevent injuries and accidents? OIST's research safety team will show you how. Once you're all geared up, let's take some fun photos together!
All ages
Hands-on
Microplastic Detectives: Exploring Okinawa's Sands
Join this hands-on activity to uncover tiny plastic pieces hidden in sand from beaches across Okinawa. Use specialized screens to sift for microplastics, then examine them up close under a microscope. Discover how microplastics move through our oceans and explore ways we can protect our marine environment!
*Schedule: TBD
Elementary +
Hands-on
Lab 4
Robotics Showcase by National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College (KOSEN)!
Experience live demonstrations and hands-on control of the robots that competed in the 2024 National Robot Contest! Enjoy dynamic performances by the tallest robot from the competition. Don’t miss it!
National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College
Elementary +
Hands-on
Tiny boat race!
Racing 3D printed boats powered by surface tension reactions.
Elementary +
Hands-on
Parking Information
Please use the OIST Village Center parking lot or multi-story parking garage and follow the guidance of the staff on the day of the event. We ask that visitors ride together as parking is limited.
Parking
Food Trucks
Enjoy a delicious meal with your friends and family from food trucks in the parking lot across from AEON in OIST Village Center. Please note that the food trucks will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
| Name | Menu |
| Coming soon! | |
Contact Information
OIST Community Relations Section
community-relations@oist.jp
TEL 098-966-2184
(Weekdays 9:00-17:00)