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A long time ago in a galaxy far away...

It’s all began with a random guess that the brand-new ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø (NSU) building looks like R2D2 Star Wars robot. Subsequently a simple idea went up into creative project of the science picnic manifesting a beginning of the new academic year in September 2015. One may consider a whole concept of the Open space picnic as a cosmic party, but in fact it’s far more than that. We have collected the most memorable things about the picnic. Just in case you coincidentally did not have a chance to be a witness of this legendary event.

Time and place

The Open space picnic is a truly huge event which we will remember as a beginning of the story of fabulous brand-new NSU building. One could not find a better day. The picnic took place in the courtyard of the new building where everyone could find something interesting whether it is a curious kid eager to watch exciting demonstrations and take a part in experiments or a youngster coming for short scientific speeches.

Yuri Anikin, NSU alumnus, picnic visitor:

—&²Ô²ú²õ±è;I’m so proud of my University! Beautiful building, modern neighborhood, interesting program, awesome atmosphere! I’ve tried to remember whether there is even a bit similar University and could not find one… One may wish to study at such University and live in such place.

Science

As a Research University we’ve concentrated on scientific content of the picnic. Almost 30 teams performing science to the public - over 150 under and post graduate students as well as University researchers and alumni. Number of University joined labs has been encouraged to perform their research in a way accessible for a general public. The whole event was about Science as a priority of the NSU.

Anna Afonasina, NSU scientific staff, picnic participant:

—&²Ô²ú²õ±è;It’s been a fantastic day! … It’s been genuinely historical event we had a lucky chance to take a part in. We are grateful to initiators, organizers and participants of the picnic! … We were really happy to share our knowledge and attract people attention to science! We love NSU!!!

People

The picnic has gathered together over 3000 visitors, including children and adults, pupils and students. Everybody was curious to experience a new place as well as to be a part of the historical opening. Undoubtedly it should be like this for the new building will host 11 faculties on 55 000 square meters. Even the most skeptical visitor wouldn’t be disappointed since the program was extra intensive: tent labs, experimental polygons, open air lectures, robots, mobile planetarium, science cinema and many other activities have been prepared for our guests.

Alisa Ivanenko, NSU marketing manager, picnic organizer:

— Science picnic is a place where science meets public. By using this world known format we've tried to position our University as a research one strongly dedicated on science from fundamental as well as from applied point of view. In the same time serious, real science has been placed into informal frame like a cosmic theme of the picnic and particularly Star Wars motifs which are still quite popular.

Atmosphere

One should not forget about exceptional atmosphere each person may enjoy on the picnic. Everyone was welcome to capture this unforgettable moment and print an insta-photo on the spot. In the middle of the day we’ve had an energetic super space exercises with Dart Vader and stormtroopers. And certainly the day would be spoiled unless you take a selfie with Dart and Cheewbacca!

Music and Real time video broadcast

Of course our picnic wouldn’t be completed without musical program: cosmic DJ sets during the day as well as warming evening concert. Moreover, our wonderful video team performed real time broadcasting from the different points of the picnic for whole day so each picnic participant could feel like a movie star giving an interview.

Just So Story, NSU students, musical band:

—&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Many thanks to everyone who supported us on this marvelous event! We are thankful for a unforgettable atmosphere: cozy and comfortable!

Surely the Open space picnic will remain one of the most memorable events of the fall 2015. Probable until the second science picnic next year for the story is to be continued. So follow the next episode of the Open space picnic in 2016 and may the Science be with you.