During its Open Days on November 7 and 8, featuring a science fair, live demonstrations, a virtual escape room, and estuary tours to explore the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT)
On November 7 and 8, Vigo will become an open window to the sea with the celebration of the Marine Research Centre (CIM) Open Days at the University of Vigo. The goal of this initiative is to bring the work of the research staff closer to people of all ages in a playful, creative, and freely accessible way.
Through these Open Days, the CIM reaffirms its commitment to scientific outreach, inviting the public to discover how research is conducted, raising awareness about the importance of caring for the marine environment, and inspiring new generations by planting the seeds for future scientific vocations. Thanks to the support of the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, the program ranges from a science fair at the A Laxe shopping center to exclusive visits to unique facilities such as the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT), offering open and free activities for people of all ages.
All framed within an outdoor advertising campaign with flags on the APV lampposts under the slogan “CIM is sea, science, innovation, and society,” aimed at showcasing the essence and commitment of the CIM to the protection and understanding of the ocean. Through this message, the CIM asserts its role as a benchmark in marine research in Galicia, highlighting its contribution to scientific innovation, sustainable development, and the transfer of knowledge to society. The campaign seeks to bring marine science closer to the public, emphasizing that the CIM’s work not only drives scientific progress but also has a direct impact on social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Discover marine science with the CIM
On Friday the 7th, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the A Laxe shopping center will be transformed into a true open laboratory with the event “Discover the CIM in the Street.” The public will be able to participate in workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive games to explore disciplines such as genetics, fish physiology, marine pollution, and ocean technologies. Among other activities, there will be workshops on genetic techniques for species identification, sediment observation with stereoscopic microscopes, and activities to understand the impact of pollution on the ocean.
In addition, the public will be able to visit stands with live marine animals, such as starfish, sea urchins, and mussels, to closely observe predation processes and ecosystem interactions. Another area will feature live jellyfish and provide insights into their role in the marine environment and their relationship with environmental changes.
As part of the day, and in collaboration with the Port Authority of Vigo (APV), guided tours of the Nautilus underwater viewer are also planned. This permanent installation, located next to the shopping center, allows real-time observation of the seabed. These tours will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and, due to limited capacity, will require prior registration on the website cienciasingular.gal starting today, Monday.
Weather permitting, the interactive game “Aquamission: a scientific journey through aquaculture” will be set up around the Nadador statue. This giant board invites participants to explore sustainable aquaculture in a fun way, promoting critical thinking and interest in marine research. In case of rain, it will be moved to the A Laxe Shopping Center.
In addition, the public will be able to participate in the virtual escape room “Discover More About Ocean Research with the CIM,” inspired by the scientific-artistic mural at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo, created by artist Delio Rodríguez in collaboration with the CIM and Campus do Mar. The activity invites participants to solve challenges using their mobile phones and allows them to learn, in an engaging way, about the pillars of ocean observation and the impact of marine research on social progress.
The fair will also feature an information area about scientific outreach projects such as Iberarenum, the Galician Network of Blue Schools, ImpactArte, and Scientists Meet Artists.
Set Sail with the CIM: a learning journey on the water
The Open Days program will continue on Saturday, November 8, with the activity “Set Sail with the CIM,” an educational tour of the estuary that will take the public aboard a classroom-ship from the A Laxe pier to Toralla Island. The journey, designed to be both enjoyable and educational, will have two sessions: from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM. Access is free but requires prior registration on the website cienciasingular.gal.
During the tour, participants will be able to engage in observation activities and collect samples of marine organisms and sediments, guided by CIM researchers, who will explain the importance of these data for understanding marine ecosystems and assessing their condition in the face of current environmental challenges.
The day will conclude with a visit to the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT), the heart of marine research at the University of Vigo. In this unique facility, the public will explore modern laboratories, culture rooms, mesocosm installations, and specialized spaces where cutting-edge studies are conducted on marine biodiversity, the impact of climate change, and the sustainability of fishery resources, among others.
The CIM holds the CIGUS certification from the Regional Government of Galicia, which attests to the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-financed by the European Union through the 2021–2027 FEDER Program.
Source: DUVI
