On April 4, 2014 the Gregor Mendel Institute presented two stations at the trans-Austria science outreach event, the Long Night of Research (Lange Nacht der Forschung). Venue for the GMI stations, as well as those of other Austrian Academy of Sciences institutes, was the Aula der Wissenschaften in the centre of Vienna. GMI scientists were onhand to explain their exciting research to the Viennese public via fun, hands-on exhibits. The event was very well attended, attracting about 3200 visitors to the Aula, 135,000 across Austria.
Wolfgang Busch's group prepared an ambitious "International Root Race", in which visitors were able to observe on a large monitor wall the real-time growth of roots from 5 different Arabidopsis thalianaaccessions from around the world. Visitors could place bets on which roots had the fastest gravitropic growth response.
Armin Djamei and group presented their research on the molecular mechanisms of fungal maize parasites. Visitors could infect their own maize plants with the parasitic fungus, to take home and observe the process that Armin's group studies in the lab. They were also offered a taste of the fungus, a Mexican speciality called Cuitlacoche.
Science Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner visited the GMI stations, meeting with Science Director Magnus Nordborg, Business Director Markus Kiess, and group leader Armin Djamei. The flood of visitors to the venue forced a temporary closure of the doors and a long lineup outside.
