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News South Africa

Largest solar boat reaches Boston

After Miami and New York, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar reached Boston on 22 June 2013, with scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) onboard. The researchers are sailing on the largest solar boat ever built in order to successfully carry out the PlanetSolar DeepWater expedition, which aims to analyse the Gulf Stream, one of the most important regulators of European and North American climates.
Pictures: © Susan Young
Pictures: © Susan Young

To mark the third leg of the American tour, the PlanetSolar and UNIGE teams will strengthen their interaction with important institutions such as the Boston Children's Museum, the Boston Museum of Science, the Greentown Labs, the MIT Energy Club and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Stop-over scheduled from 22-27 June 2013 (Fan Pier Marina).

The capital of Massachusetts is recognised in particular for its research programs in the fields of technology and oceanography, and many institutions are heavily involved in sustainable development. PlanetSolar and UNIGE have the opportunity to communicate the stakes of the DeepWater expedition by organising a series of events with support from Swissnex Boston. For example, children will be able to participate in the construction of a model solar boat at a workshop at the Boston Children's Museum; public conferences will be held with researchers from UNIGE, the MIT Energy Club, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute; a temporary exhibition will be displayed at the Boston Science Museum, etc.

"This project fits perfectly with our university's missions: education, research, and service to the community. Geneva is the birthplace of global governance, therefore her involvement in such an adventure was inherent. In fact, at the heart of the city of Calvin, international organisations and key decision makers are addressing the challenges of climate change," says Jean-Dominique Vassalli, rector of UNIGE.

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