400 primary schoolchildren to open For Infinity: 400 years of Academic Science in Groningen exhibition

The official opening of the 400 years of Academic Science in Groningen exhibition will take place on Wednesday 9 April. The exhibition, which has been compiled to mark the 400th anniversary of the University of Groningen, will take visitors on a journey through the past, present and future of academic teaching and research in Groningen and way beyond. The official opening will follow a festive event on the Vismarkt (1.30 - 3 p.m.), to be presented by Evelien Bosch (Zapplive) and featuring 400 primary schoolchildren being given a lesson about DNA.

The University of Groningen is at the European forefront of academic teaching and research. For Infinity: 400 years of Academic Science is an exhibition of objects, instruments and specimens that illustrate the proud history of the university. It also provides a glimpse of the present and distant future, with interactive installations, games and discussions. The exhibition was compiled by the University Museum and ScienceLinX, in close cooperation with all the faculties of the University of Groningen.

The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday 10 April to Friday 27 June 2014. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DNA event on the Vismarkt

The DNA event on the Vismarkt is a spin-off from the 400 days for 400 questions project. Many of the questions sent in by children were about DNA and genes. Under the skilful direction of movement director Bart Brandts Buys, 400 primary schoolchildren will imitate the actions of DNA as it divides. The performance will be filmed from above and projected onto large screens around the square, allowing the crowd to watch every movement the children make. The event has been organized in association with the Genetics Department of the UMCG.