Aalto University's campus is right next to a nature conservation area. We accompanied an expert on an outing to learn what makes it unique 鈥 and what can be done about biodiversity loss.
Bioblitz on Otaniemi campus 8.9.
Have you ever wondered with whom we are sharing the campus with? What kinds of non-human species live in the campus area? How many do you think we can find in few hours of time? Come and find out in first ever Bioblitz organised on Aalto University campus 8.9.2022! Winning teams will be awarded
Arranged for the first time in Otaniemi, Bioblitz is a fun competition in teams that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. The observations are photographed and gathered in iNaturalist mobile application, making the results also available for research purposes. The application also facilitates the identification of species by providing suggestions based on users鈥 photographs of the observed specimen.
In Otaniemi Bioblitz we want to map what species we have on Aalto campus. The idea is additionally to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity and impacts of nature loss. The event is organized jointly with Aalto University Student Union (AYY) and Symbioosi ry, the organization of Helsinki university biology students.
The competition is open for all students and staff in Aalto University and biology students and staff in Helsinki university and there is an option for teams to adopt biology students / staff into their teams. We strongly encourage the participants to form interdisciplinary teams from 2 to 5 members, but the event is open to all kinds of combinations of people. Aftergame at AYY Otaranta Club Room.
When: On Thursday 8.9. 2022, 14-19 + afterparty
Where: Otaniemi campus area
Organisers: Aalto University / Meeri Karvinen and Hanna Paulom盲ki, AYY, Symbioosi ry
Collaborators: A! Co-Educator Team, , Aalto Solutions for Sustainability
Further instructions and the final programme will be sent for registered participants after 1.9.
Preliminary programme
14:00 Gathering at A Grid (Otakaari 5) lecture hall A108b / A111a Mordor (left from the lobby)
鈥 Welcome / opening of the event - Meeri Karvinen, Hanna Paulom盲ki
鈥 Introduction to biodiversity - Symbioosi ry / biology students
鈥 Biodiversity and development of the Otaniemi campus 鈥 Aapo Pihkala/ACRE
14:45 Instructions for the BioBlitz
鈥 What is BioBlitz & how to use iNaturalist application during the competition 鈥 Hanna Paulom盲ki
鈥 Instructions for the competition area and what happens after it 鈥 Meeri Karvinen
鈥 Getting into teams
15:00 The game begins, competition time 3 hours
18:00 Gathering back at A Grid / Mordor
鈥 Gathering for snacks while waiting for the results
鈥 Announcing the winner & 鈥渁ward ceremony鈥 鈥 Meeri/Hanna/AYY/Symbioosi ry
19:00 -> Aftergame at Otaranta Club Room
Read more about campus nature
Capital of the campus nature
Nature enhances the economic value of the area and contributes to the wellbeing of the people
Events
Puhutaan suomea - Learning Finnish together!
Welcome to learn and practice your Finnish skills!
A! Walk
A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban鈥搉atural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.
Booster Open Doors (Period II)
Join "Booster Open Doors" Wednesdays 13:00-15:00 for advice on grants & projects. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and good company!