Visitors to Science Rendezvous, at the University of Toronto - Mississauga (UTM) today had an opportunity to see and take in the colourful, playful and yet relevant side of science.
The day-long event featured a series of public research lectures as well as simple demonstrations that highlight the importance of science in everyday life and the endless possibilities that exist in the field today.
“We need to understand that science is actually another form of expression,” said Dr. Ulli Krull, head of research at UTM. “Just as an artist paints or a musician writes music, the scientist creates.”
“The entire intention of this event is to allow the public to experience science," he said. "Not from the standpoint of how it is commonly portrayed on television - as the mad scientist in the lab - but to come here and meet real people that are involved in it."
Telescopes set-up outside allowed people an opportunity to look at the sun. Inside, dozens of paper airplanes zipping across the room enabled children and adults to test the physics behind flight and, using colourful balloons submerged in liquid nitrogen, student volunteers demonstrated the process of cryogenics - the study of low temperature. 
“This event is not meant to force anyone to learn. It's not a recruitment,” Krull observed. “Science Rendezvous is for people to explore their curiosity. The point of all of this going on, whether it is lectures or demonstrations, is that, whatever your interest is, you can migrate to that and actually explore.”
He said the relevance of science is everywhere and events like Science Rendezvous provide an opportunity to see how things work and how they influence the world.
“The goal here is to plan for an event that would flourish like an arts event across the city,” he said. 
Science Rendezvous runs 10 a.m to 4 p.m today. Admission is free. Free parking available on lot 8.
For more information, visit, www.utm.utoronto.ca/rendez.0.html.

onlinenews@mississauga.net