Océanolab, the first scientific program at the interface science-society
A unique concept that connects marine science and society in real time, in the heart of Océanopolis, around marine ecology research projects.
Since 1990, Océanopolis has been sharing the knowledge produced by researchers, universities, grandes écoles, and maritime stakeholders in the region with the general public. In line with this approach, Océanolab is an innovative program at the interface between science and society, conceived by Océanopolis and the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO).
A living laboratory, in the heart of Océanopolis
Unique in its kind, Océanolab offers an immersive and unprecedented experience: discovering marine ecology research in real time. Each year, a new scientific team moves into the Océanolab space to conduct research on major issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution. This allows the public to observe “science in action”, interact with researchers, and gain a better understanding of major environmental issues.
A space for exchange and vocations
Through its innovative approach, Océanolab aims to:
Promote
interest in science and technology
Encourage
scientific vocations, promote gender equality
Value
careers in research, innovation, and the maritime world
Strengthen
ties between research and scientific culture stakeholders by creating a structured and operational interface in a single location
A dual ambition: producing and disseminating science
Océanolab combines the production of scientific knowledge and its dissemination in the same place and at the same time. This ambitious initiative has two objectives: scientific excellence and the rigorous and accessible sharing of knowledge with citizens.
It invites scientists to temporarily leave their laboratories to engage with a society that questions them. It helps to restore confidence in research and equips visitors to better decipher scientific information in a world saturated with data and misinformation.
This program takes a highly innovative and sustainable approach to sharing scientific knowledge. It is a unique place where different players in research and mediation come together around scientific projects dedicated to the ocean. Research work is shared with the public in real time, from the initial questions to the results, including experiments and the promotion of projects. Research and scientific culture are equally important at Oceanolab.
We are currently witnessing the emergence of fake news and pseudo-science, which spreads quickly on social media. Rather than lecturing and educating people about the scientific method, research practices, and ethics, let’s bring “research in progress” to the heart of Océanopolis! This is how the “Océanolab” concept was born. No longer illustrating or staging, but immersing the public in real-life scientific experiments, “in real life.” Sharing hypotheses, questions, and methods on a daily basis, as well as results, successes, failures, and doubts.