The Chemistry of Senses

Brief description and target groups: Public perception of the research field of chemistry is characterised by fears and prejudices - as well as very limited knowledge about the actual methods and results of chemical research and their significance for our lives. Against this background, this science communication project led by the Austrian Scientist of the Year 2018, Prof. Nuno Maulide, will be dedicated to communicating current research results and methods from the field of organic chemistry. The focus is on sustainable communication measures that are intended to make chemical research understandable through a low-threshold experience based on the five human senses. The planned measures are to be adapted to different target groups - from children to young people to adults. A particular concern of the project team is to reach target groups with lower educational backgrounds. Planned activities: Hands-on experimentation sets for children and teenagers (primary school, secondary school I & II) as well as digital communication formats such as 3-D animated holograms of chemical compounds for use at events and as part of school lessons are to be implemented. These materials will be used in specially designed workshops and events such as a multi-sensory theatre play. The active engagement of young people with the subject of chemistry is to be promoted through a competition for students to create their own chemistry experiments. Less educated target groups, and parents in particular are to be reached through especially designed low-threshold formats such as "coffee meetups". Project partners: The target-group specific development and implementation of the planned measures as well as reaching the target groups will be ensured through cooperation with the following partner institutions: Neues Atelier - Verein für Kulturvermittlung (science communicators Adrin Artacho and Matthias Heger), Natural History Museum Vienna, Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna, FAB - Verein zur Förderung von Arbeit und Beschäftigung, Kinderbüro Universität Wien, Kulturhaus Brotfabrik, HAPPYHOLO.COM.

The Chemistry of the Senses explores how chemistry shapes our sensory perception of the world - how we smell, taste, and experience the environment around us. Led by Prof. Nuno Maulide and his team at the University of Vienna, the project connects cutting-edge organic chemistry research with creative forms of science communication. Through collaborations with cultural and educational institutions such as the Natural History Museum Vienna, the Botanical Garden, and the KinderUni, the project developed interactive workshops, performances, and artistic installations that bring chemistry to life for audiences of all ages. Its goal is to make science tangible, engaging, and meaningful - showing that chemistry is not confined to the lab, but part of our everyday sensory experience.