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| Enthusiastic over the Science Tunnel: Professor Dr Herbert Jäckle, Vice President of the Max Planck Society; Jürgen R. Thumann, Michael Glos, Dr Tony Tan, Dr Jürgen Hambrecht, Mike de Vries. |
2006/03/27
Inauguration of the spectacular “Science Tunnel” in the Singapore Science Centre
An innovative multimedia exhibition by the Max Planck Society, promoted by BASF AG and “Invest in Germany – Land of Ideas”
Singapore/Berlin, 27 March 2006 – From 25 March to 18 June 2006, visitors to the Singapore Museum of Science will be given an opportunity for the first time to experience the leading edge of German research through a Science Tunnel.
Singapore/Berlin, 27 March 2006 – From 25 March to 18 June 2006, visitors to the Singapore Museum of Science will be given an opportunity for the first time to experience the leading edge of German research through a Science Tunnel.
The Science Tunnel, which has been set up in two languages, English and Chinese, invites the visitor to take a fascinating journey through the mysteries of our world, shows ground-breaking discoveries, and leads up to current events and insights into the latest scientific discoveries.
Dr Tony Tan, the Chairman of the National Research Foundation in Singapore, and Michael Glos, the German Federal Economics Minister, met with leading company representatives and high-ranking guests at the official inauguration of the exhibition on 24 March 2006.
In his address on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony the German Federal Economics Minister Michael Glos said with enthusiasm, “the Science Tunnel makes the research highlights of recent years come alive with interactive video stations and exhibits. We have always been asking ourselves questions such as: Was the Big Bang really the beginning of everything? What is concealed behind the shimmering strip of the Milky Way? How does life work? What makes life on Earth possible? Where is our place in the Universe? In the Science Tunnel visitors can immerse themselves in the kind of science that tries to provide the answers to these questions.”
Dr Tony Tan, who quoted Einstein as an explanation of the presentation of the significance of the creativity and innovation for society, said: “Encouraging curiosity and an enquiring mind is the key to the development of the human genius. The Science Tunnel exhibition is an outstanding example of how scientific institutions and commercial companies should shoulder the social responsibility for generating enthusiasm in young people to develop a passionate interest in the sciences. With the support of the Government this will bring forth a generation that is typified by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.”
An unforgettable insight into the secrets of our universe
In the extensive and future-orientated Science Tunnel visitors can move through twelve stations and examine both the functions of some of the tiniest elements in our world, such as proteins, enzymes and cells within the human body, and also the largest structures in the universe.
More than 300 large-format pictures and 150 video clips show the latest research projects from all areas of modern science, some of which have never been presented to the public before. They provide a fascinating insight into the hidden worlds of the microcosmos and the macrocosmos. Accompanied by a guide on audio tape, visitors encounter all the challenges that scientists face today, stretching from research into the building-blocks of life to the causes of illnesses, the secrets of our consciousness, and the work being done on ways to solve the global problems of humanity, assessing the future of the biosphere of our Earth, and exploring the Universe. Many of the exhibits are interactive and invite visitors to observe and discover facts that are being examined by scientists.
The Science Tunnel has been funded by BASF AG, “Invest in Germany – Land of Ideas”, and the Max Planck Society for the Promotion of the Sciences, and was presented for the first time at the EXPO 2000 World Exhibition in Hanover. It then drew in more than two million visitors worldwide as a travelling exhibition, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Manchester, Ludwigshafen, Hong Kong and Thessalonica. Last year the content and technology of the Science Tunnel was completely modernised and it started on its second world tour in the National Museum for Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo.
“We are delighted,” said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, the Director of the Singapore Science Centre, “that we as the host of this exhibition can draw attention to the experience of organisations and industrial companies with worldwide reputations, such as BASF and the Max Planck Institute, and can collaborate with them to inform our visitors about current problems. In this way we can stimulate discussion and reflection. Our aim consists also of showing in detail the more profound and complex aspects of modern science to a broad public through explanations on the exhibits in English and Chinese, and through our trained exhibition staff.”
Jürgen Hambrecht, the Chairman of the Management Board of BASF, spoke about the financial support that his company is giving to the exhibition. “As one of the world’s leading chemical companies, BASF is contributing with intelligent systems to successfully shaping the future. Intellectual curiosity and knowledge, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit, are the basis on which innovation and progress flourish. We aim to strengthen public interest in science and technology and to encourage young people to develop ideas further that contribute to sustainable development. The Science Tunnel shows the strength of research and technology in Germany, the Land of Ideas. We are proud of being able to contribute to its presentation in Singapore.”
The activities of BASF, with two additional exhibition modules, are likewise part of the Science Tunnel. They present an overview of BASF in the Asia-Pacific region and the current fields of work of this leading multinational group of chemical companies.
“In the Science Tunnel the visitors are given an impression of how interesting and exciting the search is for new knowledge in previously unknown fields. With this exhibition we would like, in particular, to arouse the interest of young people. It is only with the kind of research that stands at the leading edge internationally that we will be successful in the future. That is why we have to win over the schoolchildren and students – the scientists of tomorrow,” emphasises Professor Dr Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society.
“Everything starts with an idea: announced as an expedition to the secrets of our world, the exhibition exceeds all expectations,” comments Jürgen Thumann, the President of the Federation of German Industry (BDI) and a member of the Advisory Board of “Germany – Land of Ideas”. “Visitors themselves become part of the whole universe, from its very beginning to the present day and beyond. The fascinating thing about the Science Tunnel is its future orientation. It shows at first hand how scientists and technicians from Germany can make valuable contributions to worldwide knowledge, and also opens up prospects of all the other things that might be possible.”
The exhibition will be presented in Shanghai, China, after its Singapore tour.
You will find further information at the following addresses:
Esther Ang
Public Relations Officer
Singapore Science Centre
Tel.: +65 6425 2541
E-mail : eny_ang@science.edu.sg
BASF
Ian deSouza
Manager Public Relations
BASF South East Asia Pte Ltd
Tel.: +65 6432 3684
E-mail : ian.desouza@basf.com
Andreas Trepte
Press and Public Relations Work
Max Planck Society
Tel.: +49 (0)89 2108 1238
E-mail : trepte@gv.mpg.de
Eva Henkel
Media Relations
Invest in Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)30 2065 7173
E-mail : henkel@invest-in-germany.com
About the Singapore Science Centre
The Singapore Science Centre is an informal educational institution, the aim of which is to propagate scientific and technological knowledge to young people and the public at large. As one of the leading science museums in the region the Singapore Science Centre has twelve exhibition galleries available to it with more than 1,000 exhibits and an outdoor site of 18,000 square metres on which the exhibits are displayed in the eco-garden, the kinetic garden, and the waterworks. The institution also operates the Omni-Theatre, Singapore’s only cupola-shaped multimedia cinema, with five storeys and seating for 276 people. About 630,000 visitors stream through the Science Centre every year.
You will find further information on our website: www.science.edu.sg.
BASF AG
BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical corporations – The Chemical Company. Its portfolio stretches from chemicals, plastics, processing products, agricultural pesticides and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable supplier to practically all sectors of industry, BASF, with its intelligent system solutions, helps its customers to be successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. By linking its commercial success to its corporate vision of environmental protection and social responsibility, the company is contributing to development that will be compatible with the future.
In 2005, the BASF Group employed about 81,000 people and generated sales of more than €42.7 billion. Its shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt am Main (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), and Zürich (AN). You will find more information about BASF on the Internet at www.basf.com.
The Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society is Germany’s most important organisation for basic research. It maintains 78 institutes and employs about 12,200 people, including about 4,100 scientists. In addition to this, about 10,000 young and guest scientists work in the institutes. The annual budget, which in 2005 came to €1,332 billion, is mainly financed from public funds. The aim of the society is to achieve a leading position in innovative research directions. Its research activities are accordingly concentrated on particularly innovative subject areas from the natural and life sciences as well as intellectual and social sciences. It is one of the world’s best research organisations. You will find further information on the Internet at www.mpg.de.
Invest in Germany
Invest in Germany GmbH is financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and is the official organisation for promoting investment and the primary contact for business interests in Germany.
Invest in Germany GmbH has the following functions: promoting the advantages of Germany as an outstandingly attractive location for companies; providing information and market analyses on specific industries; maintaining links with the corporate network in Germany; and coordinating the business location selection process in cooperation with local partners. From its head office in Berlin, Invest in Germany GmbH provides services free of charge to companies that are considering setting up a location in Germany.
You will find further information on the Internet www.invest-in-germany.com.
“Germany – Land of Ideas”
“Germany – Land of Ideas” is the campaign mounted jointly by the German Federal Government and German business, represented by the Federation of German Industry, to promote Germany as an attractive location. Its aim is to communicate an image of Germany, at home and abroad, as an innovative country that is open-minded towards the whole world and capable of great enthusiasm. The patron of the campaign is Horst Köhler, the Federal President of Germany. FC Germany GmbH with its managing director Mike de Vries is coordinating the campaign, which is supported by numerous German companies and partners from the worlds of science, culture and society. The campaign is implementing five core projects: the “Walk of Ideas” sculpture park, the “365 locations in the Land of Ideas” series of events, the FanClub, the International Media Service, and the Welcome Campaign.
You will find more information about the “Germany – Land of Ideas” campaign at www.land-of-ideas.com.
The partners
adidas-Salomon AG • Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG • Allianz AG • AUDI AG AWD Holding AG • BASF AG • Bayer AG • Deutsche Bank AG • Deutsche Börse AG • Deutsche Lufthansa AG • DHL • Deutsche Telekom AG • EnBW AG E.ON AG •Fraport AG • Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH • HDI Versicherungen • Heitkamp & Thumann Group • IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG • Roland Berger Strategy Consultants • RWE AG • Voith AG • Wall AG
Contact:
Nathalie Thiemann-Huguet
Public Relations, foreign countries
Germany – Land of Ideas
FC Germany GmbH
Unter den Linden 74
10117 Berlin
Germany
Telephone +49 (0)30 2064 5931
Mobile +49 (0)170 340 5083
Fax +49 (0)30 2064 5937
thiemann-huguet@land-der-ideen.de
www.land-der-ideen.de
www.land-of-ideas.org
Dr Tony Tan, the Chairman of the National Research Foundation in Singapore, and Michael Glos, the German Federal Economics Minister, met with leading company representatives and high-ranking guests at the official inauguration of the exhibition on 24 March 2006.
In his address on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony the German Federal Economics Minister Michael Glos said with enthusiasm, “the Science Tunnel makes the research highlights of recent years come alive with interactive video stations and exhibits. We have always been asking ourselves questions such as: Was the Big Bang really the beginning of everything? What is concealed behind the shimmering strip of the Milky Way? How does life work? What makes life on Earth possible? Where is our place in the Universe? In the Science Tunnel visitors can immerse themselves in the kind of science that tries to provide the answers to these questions.”
Dr Tony Tan, who quoted Einstein as an explanation of the presentation of the significance of the creativity and innovation for society, said: “Encouraging curiosity and an enquiring mind is the key to the development of the human genius. The Science Tunnel exhibition is an outstanding example of how scientific institutions and commercial companies should shoulder the social responsibility for generating enthusiasm in young people to develop a passionate interest in the sciences. With the support of the Government this will bring forth a generation that is typified by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.”
An unforgettable insight into the secrets of our universe
In the extensive and future-orientated Science Tunnel visitors can move through twelve stations and examine both the functions of some of the tiniest elements in our world, such as proteins, enzymes and cells within the human body, and also the largest structures in the universe.
More than 300 large-format pictures and 150 video clips show the latest research projects from all areas of modern science, some of which have never been presented to the public before. They provide a fascinating insight into the hidden worlds of the microcosmos and the macrocosmos. Accompanied by a guide on audio tape, visitors encounter all the challenges that scientists face today, stretching from research into the building-blocks of life to the causes of illnesses, the secrets of our consciousness, and the work being done on ways to solve the global problems of humanity, assessing the future of the biosphere of our Earth, and exploring the Universe. Many of the exhibits are interactive and invite visitors to observe and discover facts that are being examined by scientists.
The Science Tunnel has been funded by BASF AG, “Invest in Germany – Land of Ideas”, and the Max Planck Society for the Promotion of the Sciences, and was presented for the first time at the EXPO 2000 World Exhibition in Hanover. It then drew in more than two million visitors worldwide as a travelling exhibition, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Manchester, Ludwigshafen, Hong Kong and Thessalonica. Last year the content and technology of the Science Tunnel was completely modernised and it started on its second world tour in the National Museum for Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo.
“We are delighted,” said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, the Director of the Singapore Science Centre, “that we as the host of this exhibition can draw attention to the experience of organisations and industrial companies with worldwide reputations, such as BASF and the Max Planck Institute, and can collaborate with them to inform our visitors about current problems. In this way we can stimulate discussion and reflection. Our aim consists also of showing in detail the more profound and complex aspects of modern science to a broad public through explanations on the exhibits in English and Chinese, and through our trained exhibition staff.”
Jürgen Hambrecht, the Chairman of the Management Board of BASF, spoke about the financial support that his company is giving to the exhibition. “As one of the world’s leading chemical companies, BASF is contributing with intelligent systems to successfully shaping the future. Intellectual curiosity and knowledge, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit, are the basis on which innovation and progress flourish. We aim to strengthen public interest in science and technology and to encourage young people to develop ideas further that contribute to sustainable development. The Science Tunnel shows the strength of research and technology in Germany, the Land of Ideas. We are proud of being able to contribute to its presentation in Singapore.”
The activities of BASF, with two additional exhibition modules, are likewise part of the Science Tunnel. They present an overview of BASF in the Asia-Pacific region and the current fields of work of this leading multinational group of chemical companies.
“In the Science Tunnel the visitors are given an impression of how interesting and exciting the search is for new knowledge in previously unknown fields. With this exhibition we would like, in particular, to arouse the interest of young people. It is only with the kind of research that stands at the leading edge internationally that we will be successful in the future. That is why we have to win over the schoolchildren and students – the scientists of tomorrow,” emphasises Professor Dr Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society.
“Everything starts with an idea: announced as an expedition to the secrets of our world, the exhibition exceeds all expectations,” comments Jürgen Thumann, the President of the Federation of German Industry (BDI) and a member of the Advisory Board of “Germany – Land of Ideas”. “Visitors themselves become part of the whole universe, from its very beginning to the present day and beyond. The fascinating thing about the Science Tunnel is its future orientation. It shows at first hand how scientists and technicians from Germany can make valuable contributions to worldwide knowledge, and also opens up prospects of all the other things that might be possible.”
The exhibition will be presented in Shanghai, China, after its Singapore tour.
You will find further information at the following addresses:
Esther Ang
Public Relations Officer
Singapore Science Centre
Tel.: +65 6425 2541
E-mail : eny_ang@science.edu.sg
BASF
Ian deSouza
Manager Public Relations
BASF South East Asia Pte Ltd
Tel.: +65 6432 3684
E-mail : ian.desouza@basf.com
Andreas Trepte
Press and Public Relations Work
Max Planck Society
Tel.: +49 (0)89 2108 1238
E-mail : trepte@gv.mpg.de
Eva Henkel
Media Relations
Invest in Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)30 2065 7173
E-mail : henkel@invest-in-germany.com
About the Singapore Science Centre
The Singapore Science Centre is an informal educational institution, the aim of which is to propagate scientific and technological knowledge to young people and the public at large. As one of the leading science museums in the region the Singapore Science Centre has twelve exhibition galleries available to it with more than 1,000 exhibits and an outdoor site of 18,000 square metres on which the exhibits are displayed in the eco-garden, the kinetic garden, and the waterworks. The institution also operates the Omni-Theatre, Singapore’s only cupola-shaped multimedia cinema, with five storeys and seating for 276 people. About 630,000 visitors stream through the Science Centre every year.
You will find further information on our website: www.science.edu.sg.
BASF AG
BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical corporations – The Chemical Company. Its portfolio stretches from chemicals, plastics, processing products, agricultural pesticides and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable supplier to practically all sectors of industry, BASF, with its intelligent system solutions, helps its customers to be successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. By linking its commercial success to its corporate vision of environmental protection and social responsibility, the company is contributing to development that will be compatible with the future.
In 2005, the BASF Group employed about 81,000 people and generated sales of more than €42.7 billion. Its shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt am Main (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), and Zürich (AN). You will find more information about BASF on the Internet at www.basf.com.
The Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society is Germany’s most important organisation for basic research. It maintains 78 institutes and employs about 12,200 people, including about 4,100 scientists. In addition to this, about 10,000 young and guest scientists work in the institutes. The annual budget, which in 2005 came to €1,332 billion, is mainly financed from public funds. The aim of the society is to achieve a leading position in innovative research directions. Its research activities are accordingly concentrated on particularly innovative subject areas from the natural and life sciences as well as intellectual and social sciences. It is one of the world’s best research organisations. You will find further information on the Internet at www.mpg.de.
Invest in Germany
Invest in Germany GmbH is financed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and is the official organisation for promoting investment and the primary contact for business interests in Germany.
Invest in Germany GmbH has the following functions: promoting the advantages of Germany as an outstandingly attractive location for companies; providing information and market analyses on specific industries; maintaining links with the corporate network in Germany; and coordinating the business location selection process in cooperation with local partners. From its head office in Berlin, Invest in Germany GmbH provides services free of charge to companies that are considering setting up a location in Germany.
You will find further information on the Internet www.invest-in-germany.com.
“Germany – Land of Ideas”
“Germany – Land of Ideas” is the campaign mounted jointly by the German Federal Government and German business, represented by the Federation of German Industry, to promote Germany as an attractive location. Its aim is to communicate an image of Germany, at home and abroad, as an innovative country that is open-minded towards the whole world and capable of great enthusiasm. The patron of the campaign is Horst Köhler, the Federal President of Germany. FC Germany GmbH with its managing director Mike de Vries is coordinating the campaign, which is supported by numerous German companies and partners from the worlds of science, culture and society. The campaign is implementing five core projects: the “Walk of Ideas” sculpture park, the “365 locations in the Land of Ideas” series of events, the FanClub, the International Media Service, and the Welcome Campaign.
You will find more information about the “Germany – Land of Ideas” campaign at www.land-of-ideas.com.
The partners
adidas-Salomon AG • Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG • Allianz AG • AUDI AG AWD Holding AG • BASF AG • Bayer AG • Deutsche Bank AG • Deutsche Börse AG • Deutsche Lufthansa AG • DHL • Deutsche Telekom AG • EnBW AG E.ON AG •Fraport AG • Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH • HDI Versicherungen • Heitkamp & Thumann Group • IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG • Roland Berger Strategy Consultants • RWE AG • Voith AG • Wall AG
Contact:
Nathalie Thiemann-Huguet
Public Relations, foreign countries
Germany – Land of Ideas
FC Germany GmbH
Unter den Linden 74
10117 Berlin
Germany
Telephone +49 (0)30 2064 5931
Mobile +49 (0)170 340 5083
Fax +49 (0)30 2064 5937
thiemann-huguet@land-der-ideen.de
www.land-der-ideen.de
www.land-of-ideas.org
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