Science Fika
What are the ultimate elements that constitute the matter in our universe? What gives origin to shining stars and black holes? How many worlds are there? What are the mechanisms that can deteriorate our health and eventually lead to disease? What are the secret forces that drove simple chemical compounds to form more complex molecules that ultimately created life on Earth? The universe uses humanity to answer these questions. Science is one of the ways the universe uses to interrogate itself. And to pose the final question: why there is something rather than nothing?
A different kind of fika
Come and enjoy some coffee and science!
The Science Fika is a recurring event where we share our passion for science and talk about different topics in easy-to-understand language. At each event a speaker will have a 20 minutes presentation about a scientific concept, to stimulate your curiosity and to show you the beauty of science. We will provide free fika after the presentation, giving you the opportunity to mingle and discuss in a more informal way. So welcome, sit back and enjoy some exciting science!
Lectures will take place in collaboration with Folkuniversitetet and Proteintech in spring 2025
Upcoming Fikas
Weather forecast at the subseasonal time scale
How well can we predict weather conditions several weeks in advance? This is the central question of subseasonal forecasting, which covers the period between short-term weather forecasts and seasonal outlooks. It is an important time scale for anticipating extreme events such as heavy rainfall, storms, or cold spells. In my work, I study large-scale atmospheric patterns and use statistical and dynamical tools to understand when forecasts are more or less reliable and how they can be improved. The aim is to better anticipate impactful weather earlier, helping society prepare and reduce risks in areas such as water management, agriculture, and disaster response.Past Fikas
How Will Airports Power Electric Aircraft?
Electric aircraft are starting to take off, but new charging capabilities will be needed at airports for them to succeed. This talk explores the challenges and possibilities of electric aircraft charging, with a focus on airport infrastructure and operational planning.
It’s vitamin D speaking! – Crosstalk between important signaling molecules in the cell
Cells in a living organism are constantly bombarded by instructions of what they are supposed to do. Should they grow, divide, or maybe…die? These instructions are coming from so called signaling molecules, and are forwarded by signaling pathways. The final recipient of such instructions is often a gene that turns ON or OFF. In my talk I will explore how two important signaling molecules – active vitamin D and the growth factor EGF- affect cells with signals that contradict each other. In my talk I will explore how two important signaling molecules – active vitamin D and the growth factor EGF- affect cells with signals that contradict each other.
To be tough: how the 360-million-year-old fossil skin tells us about the lives of the earliest land vertebrates
400 million years ago, our ancestors were fish. To step onto land, they needed not only legs, but also a new skin that could prevent the body from drying out. Recently, the skin of those first land dwellers was discovered, surprisingly distinct from amphibian skin. It suggests a lifestyle that has no equivalent in living animals.
Scarlatto, carmine and rossi: Investigating red dyes in early modern
knitted caps
A multi-analytical approach to the identification of red dyes in six archaeological and historical knitted caps revealed three different dyestuffs and four recipes were used to achieve the colors. A follow-up experimental reconstruction project explored how these reds may have been produced using 16th century recipes.
Taking inspiration from nature to make the fuels of the future
In the search for sustainable fuels, hydrogen, which only produces water as a byproduct, could be a solution, and Sigrid is developing bioinspired molecules for green production.
Soap bubbles: no child’s play for science
Newton is said to have been inspired by soap bubbles, and Staffan demonstrates surface tension with fun experiments such as double bubbles and “piercing” bubbles without them bursting.
The Rossby Wave Challenge: Understanding Future Weather Extremes
Gigantic Rossby waves in the atmosphere drive our weather, from cold snaps to heatwaves, and climate change could make their impacts even stronger.
Experiment with us at SciFest!
This year Science Fika will have a stand at SciFest. Here you can try scientific experiments that you can even redo in your own kitchen!
Join us at booth 37!
Red giant stars: pulsating and dusty ancients
Discover how old stars swell, pulsate, and disperse gas and dust – and why red giants are important for life in the universe.
The Solar Wind : What lies between us and the Sun
See how the Sun’s solar wind paints our skies with auroras and shakes up satellites as it races across the solar system.