Lab's science and engineering a hit at two-day DC festival
More than 10,000 visitors stopped by the Lab's booth, during the two-day expo on the National Mall.
The Laboratory exhibit featured an energy theme - a 3D ride-along that takes visitors barnstorming through the National Ignition Facility and the quest for fusion ignition, and a climate simulation that challenges participants to meet 21st century energy needs while keep carbon emissions to a minimum.
The Lab's exhibit was often crowded with science festival visitors four or five deep waiting to get to the Lab's simulations.
The USA Science & Engineering Festival is the brainchild of biotech entrepreneur Larry Bock. While Bock was living in Europe he attended a science festival organized by the University of Cambridge and decided he wanted to try to organize a similar event in the United States.
"Other countries organize these festivals all the time," Bock said. "In Europe and Asia there is an understanding that you need to get the next generation excited about careers in the sciences. They treat it as a matter of national interest, but at the same time they do this in a festival environment that's a lot of fun."
Bock organized the San Diego Science Festival in April 2009, attracting 50,000 people. The event was such a success the festival was expanded to take on a national theme.
The event featured more than 1,500 science and engineering activities, designed to entertain, educate and inspire.
"We're excited to have had this opportunity to share our love of science with the general public and particularly the young people who will be tomorrow's scientists, engineers and innovators," Diaz de la Rubia said.
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Lynda L Seaver[email protected]
925-423-3103
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National Ignition Facility and Photon ScienceNational Ignition Facility