The event, already established as a key outreach occasion in the city, brought together hundreds of families for activities, workshops, and scientific excursions along the estuary
The CIM once again captivated the estuary and the city. Nearly a thousand people participated this weekend in the Open Days of the Marine Research Centre (CIM) at the University of Vigo, an event that has already established itself as one of the most anticipated and recognized outreach activities in Vigo. Under the motto “CIM is science, sea, innovation, and society,” the center once again demonstrated that science can also be participatory, fun, and inspiring, bringing together researchers and the public.
The CIM Open Days are confirmed as a well-established event in Vigo, bringing together science, education, and the public around the sea. The initiative reinforces the role of the CIM as a key agent in marine science outreach in Galicia.
Living science by the sea
On Friday, the A Laxe Shopping Center was transformed into a true open laboratory with the fair “Coñece o CIM na rúa”, which combined experimentation, play, and learning.
The nearly 700 attendees were able to participate in workshops on marine chemistry and contaminant detection, games to understand DNA function and genetic origins through origami, demonstrations with live organisms such as starfish, jellyfish, and sea urchins, and creative workshops with stickers and interactive experiments. There was also room for playful learning with the “Microbial Jenga,” the giant game “Aquamission” on sustainable aquaculture, and a virtual escape room focused on ocean observation.
The guided tours of the Nautilus underwater viewer, organized in collaboration with the Port Authority of Vigo (APV), completed the experience by allowing around a hundred people to observe marine life on the port seabed in real time—a natural spectacle that fascinated both children and adults.
Sailing to learn
On Saturday, it was the turn of the most anticipated activity: “Set Sail with the CIM,” an event that once again sold out in record time. Around a hundred people embarked on the Ría de Vigo to get a close look at the CIM’s cutting-edge facilities on Toralla Island, in an experience that combined adventure, science, and outreach.
On board a classroom-ship, participants became marine explorers for a day. Guided by CIM research staff, they conducted live observations using a submarine robot, which allowed them to explore seabed sediments and their hidden biodiversity. In addition, samples were taken with a sediment and marine organism dredge, while the scientists explained how these studies help understand the state of coastal ecosystems and the effects of climate change.
The day concluded with a visit to the facilities of the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT), where the public could explore laboratories, mesocosms, and culture rooms—true epicenters of Galician marine research.
“Outreach is an essential part of our mission as a research center. We want society to understand the value of the sea and how science can help conserve it. Additionally, we aim for people to see marine science as something accessible and fascinating. If we manage to spark the curiosity of a child or a family, we are already achieving real outreach. These days show that the research we conduct is not isolated, but deeply connected to the territory and the society that inspires it,” highlighted Daniel Rey, director of the CIM.
Furthermore, these activities are part of the official actions promoted by the Ocean Decade and are made possible thanks to the support of the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
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
