Bringing science directly to the people - the Innovation(s)Mobil of the Innovative University of Applied Sciences Jade-Oldenburg! (IHJO).
A total of 62 square metres of exhibition space and 25 square metres of roof terrace, modern media technology and flexible furniture make it possible to present science and research in a variety of ways and bring it to life. The Science Truck will be used for scientific exhibitions, lectures or interactive and research-related lessons at schools, for example. The total costs for the procurement and conversion of the truck amount to around 820,000 euros.
"With the Innovation Mobile, we also want to show how innovative the Jade-Oldenburg region is outside of the study locations," emphasised Prof. Dr Manfred Weisensee, President of Jade University.
"With the Science Truck, we can make science accessible to people beyond the university locations. In this way, we are specifically intensifying our dialogue with the population and creating a new form of participation," said Prof. Dr. Dr. Hans Michael Piper, President of the University of Oldenburg.
The exhibition area of the Science Truck has been converted to meet the new requirements of the IHJO since the beginning of April. Ready to drive, it is a good 19 metres long, two and a half metres wide and just over four metres high. The main room can be extended to a total of around six by ten metres. A glazed conservatory forms the entrance area; an external staircase leads up to the roof terrace, which is ideal as a meeting place and for socialising. The exhibition space is barrier-free thanks to an underfloor lift. During the project period, until the end of 2022, the possibility of switching from the current Euro 6 standard diesel drive to alternative drive systems for the tractor unit will be continuously assessed.
Space for seminars, exhibitions or mobile experiments
Depending on the usage scenario, the Science Truck can be customised - for example as a seminar, exhibition or experiment room. Among other things, 25 multifunctional seats, bistro tables and chairs as well as lounge furniture are available for this purpose. A small kitchen enables basic catering for up to 30 people at events. Videos, live broadcasts or animations can be shown on screen walls at the back of the main room. Two height-adjustable multi-touch tables that can be tilted up to 90° and tablet stations are available for interactive digital presentations, as are presentation plinths for exhibits. A "chill corner" invites visitors to take photos or videos of their visit to the Science Truck and share them on social media.
The IHJO uses the Innovation(s)Mobil for transfer to the region. It can also be requested by schools, extracurricular learning centres, social and cultural institutions and companies, as well as for events aimed at tourists, from Dr Silke Glogowski, manager of the Innovation(s)Mobil. Wherever possible, the IHJO prepares exhibitions with suitable content for the research projects of the network partners.
The Science Truck will be used for the first time on Lower Saxony Day from 14 to 16 June in Wilhelmshaven.
Technical data of the Science Truck
- Tractor unit from the manufacturer MAN, diesel Euro 6, 18 tonnes
- 28 tonne promotional trailer
- Self-sufficient power supply via diesel generator
- 300 litre fresh water tank, 300 litre waste water tank
- Space requirement: 20 metres long, 4.25 metres high, 9 metres wide
