Introduction au DiYbio par Gjino Šutić. © Lovro Dujnic
The Science Underground Academy was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from July 13-22. Slovene bio-artist and guest mentor of this second edition, Robertina Šebjanič, reports on her experiences of the many different lectures and workshops.
Dubrovnik (Croatia), correspondence by Robertina Šebjanič
How to think outside the box? Gjino Šutić, main organizer and founder of the Universal Research Institute (UR Institute), chose Dubrovnik as an elegant and inspiring old city full of history, and surrounded by islands full of mythology and stories. One of the main goals of this Science Underground Academy was to research and protect biodiversity. Field trips into the wild nature of Dubrovnik county were among the program’s strongest initiatives offered to participants (15 women, 3 men).
Interdisciplinary practices at the Natural History Museum
The Academy took a holistic approach to education and exposed participants to knowledge of all branches of contemporary tech culture (DIY, maker and biohacking movements, etc.), put into perspective novel interdisciplinary sciences (biotechnology, electronics, bioelectronics, ecological engineering, robotics) and science-related new media arts (digital art, interactive art and bio-art) through practice and experimentation. For Gjino Šutić, “The goal of Science Underground Academy is to tap into the creative potential of scientific and art practices through a coherent story that can bring new and sophisticated technologies closer to the public and make them more accessible to individuals.”
“It’s an intense educational program designed to solve the many problems of formal higher educational systems, such as the lack of interdisciplinarity, of practical education, of experimentation, of the freedom to express creativity in science, and the lack of teaching new techniques in art.»
Gjino Šutić, organizer of the Science Underground Academy
The participants came from various backgrounds. Some, experts in their fields, were interested in acquiring new knowledge and experience; others were students who were curious to learn more about what’s out there. Most of the workshops and lectures were held at the Natural History Museum in the heart of Dubrovnik’s historical old town.
Biohacking on Lokrum island
All the workshops were connected and covered lots of activities, from electronics,
programming, biohacking… to many hands-on activities related to botany and the marine environment. Most involved research field trips to various locations.
“As we are currently overwhelmed with information and hold world knowledge (i.e. the Internet) in the palm of our hand, it is all the more important to have the skills to apply this information.”
Gjino Šutić, organizer of the Science Underground Academy
The participants spent two days exploring nature and the botanical garden of Lokrum island, only a 10-minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik. The program was effectively organized around indoor lectures and outdoor hands-on workshops, as well as activities on the beach and in the sea. Lokrum island is a natural reserve with a gorgeous experimental botanical garden, rich with stories and legends—including being cursed.
Botanical studies at Trsteno Arboretum
The team explored one of the oldest arboretums in the world, Trsteno Arboretum, which is a research station for biodiversity and experimental forestry research by the Croatian Academy of Science & Art.
Astronomy on Mount Srd
The team spent a freezing evening on Mount Srd, a great place to gaze at the stars.
Field trip to Lopud island
The next day was a visit to Lopud island, where the whole day was devoted to debating with the mentors about the outcomes of the prototypes and concepts for the final exhibition, as well as for recordings (sound and video), drawing and exploring biodiversity.
Final exhibition at the Lazareti
During the last two days of the Science Underground Academy, the participants and lecturers worked in the space of the Lazareti, a former quarantine fort built by the citizens of Dubrovnik in the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic, to protect them from plague, quarantine, crew and cargo of medieval merchant ships. The space is now transformed into a cultural center to host exhibitions, concerts and workshops.
In just two days, the exhibition Mysterious Worlds of Science Underground was installed and opened on July 22. Gjino Šutić presented the program and UR Institute activities, while participants of the Science Undergound Academy offered several guided tours and performances.
More about the Science Underground Academy
More about bio-artist Robertina Šebjanič