Our Rationale
Why
Exhibitions increasingly assume the role of an efficient science communication tool. Applications in light-based science and technologies such as photonics and optics are already forming the civilization of 21st century. In the global human village, communication through images is becoming the norm at the expense of written text. The development of a better understanding of this common visual language is paramount. It is in this framework that exhibitions such as the LightAlive series are called to explain, educate, entertain and propose 'food' for further thought.
Our Proposal
What
The Optics Museum of ITMO University of St. Petersburg, Russia and the Hellenic Institute of Holography from Athens, Greece are jointly in the unique position to propose an integrated novel approach in temporary exhibitions on light and optics utilizing 'Display Holography' at the main core: an extensive demonstration of a technology never failing to leave an indelible impression to viewers, around which scientific explanatory content on optics and photonics is put together in a manner generating public engagement.
Implementations
Magic of Light 2016
Light Installations, Holograms & OptoClonesTM. Moscow, Russia.
Magic of Light 2015
Holograms, Light Installations & OptoClonesTM . St.Petersburg, Russia.
Light Mysteries 2014
Holograms, 3D & Optical Illusions. Museum of Natural Sciences of Crete, Greece.Our Benchmark
How
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The content syllabus of the exhibition series LightAlive in their various 'incarnations' and commercial titles is being constantly put on trial testing and conditional approval at the Joint Center for Exhibition Technologies established in St. Petersburg between ITMO University and the Hellenic Institute of Holography (HiH). The advantage of designing, implementing and daily operation of a specialized permanent Museum of Optics since 2006 brings the organizers in the unique position to develop novel exhibits and adopt best Museum practices from their own hands-on experience.
Our Credentials
Who
Though not directly comparable by any account, the balanced cooperation of these two organizations, each with excellence in the specific domain of collaboration, guarantees the academic quality, the educational applicability and the public acceptance of their joint output in terms of science communication exhibitions. A cooperation established already in 2013 with tangible outcome in many related areas has been proven in action and on the field. The unique synergies and the derived successes secure a long-standing relationship with common aspirations and working philosophy across the geographical and cultural borders.
Our Team
Meet the people behind LightAlive
Sergey STAFEEV, Scientific Curator
Andreas SARAKINOS, Scientific Supervision
Elena BOBRITSKAYA, Educational Curator
Mikhall SHEVTSOV, Holography Consultant
George KEKATOS, Public Engagement
Daniel SHAROV, Science Communication
Yannis GEORGARAS, Graphic/Industrial Design
Alkis LEMBESSIS, The Producer / Artistic Curator
Flip the pages to read about the key-persons in our Team
Sergey Stafeev
Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember. Involve me, let me participate and I will understand.
Sergey Stafeev, Scientific Curator
Sergey (Ph.D. in Applied Physics, ITMO University, St.Petersburg, Russia) already counts more than 20 years of scientific research and 20 more years of pedagogical experience as Professor, Head of Physics Dept. and Dean of Faculty of Natural-Sciences in ITMO University. Author of more than 100 scientific publications including monographs on the history of Optical Science, textbooks and compendiums and three commercially published volumes on the History of Optics. He has received State awards in High Education and Science Communication. Founder and Director of the non-profit organization "World of Science", he devotes his time to various Edutainment projects, among which the LightAlive interactive series of exhibitions occupies a special place. In his role as its Scientific Curator, not only he formulates its relevant content but also coordinates the work of the volunteer student teams of ITMO University.
Andreas Sarakinos
Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics : the unified knowledge we must seek...
Andreas Sarakinos, Scientific Supervision
Andreas (Physicist, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,1978) has worked in the development and construction of laser power subsystems, low noise data acquisition systems, optical holography and embedded systems. In parallel, for more than 32 years, he worked in secondary education in Greece teaching advanced-level Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He is Scientific Director to the Hellenic Institute of Holography since 1987 leading the development of the OptoClones and their associated recording and illuminating systems. As Scientific Supervisor of the LightAlive series since its inception, he takes care that content and exhibits conform to scientific knowledge. He lives in Athens but enjoys spending his free time in his native village on Corfu island, Greece.
Elena Bobritskaya
Knowledge, horizons, information: these are the engines of personal development through constant formation of new neural connections. On for it!
Elena Bobritskaya, Educational Curator
Elena (PhD in Physics) is an Associate Professor of the Faculty of Physics & Technology at ITMO University. She has received pedagogical education and special training on methods of creating interactive scientific and educational expositions. She is responsible for regular operational activities at the Museum of Optics of ITMO University as well as for staffing permanent and temporary exhibitions of Magic of Light. She directs the development and implementation of educational activities within the LightAlive projects.
Michael Shevtsov
Holography Consultant
Mikhail (PhD in Physics and Mathematics, St.Petersburg State University, Russia) works for 40 years in holography at the State Optical Institute 'S.I. Vavilov' in St.Petersburg -the place where Yu.Denisyuk discovered white-light display holography. His achievements are connected with development of recording materials (micro-cavity method), design of proprietary equipment (mobile pulse-portrait camera "GREEF", Gold medal of 50th EURECA in Brussels) and active participation in the organization of numerous exhibitions of holograms all over the world. His numerous scientific articles, reports, co-authoring of book 'Holography for the Curious' and work with artists brought him respect of colleagues and appreciation by younger holography afficionados. Partner in our programs since the first implementation of the LightAlive series.
George Kekatos
Associate, Public Engagement
George (M.A. Arts Administration and Cultural Policy, Goldsmiths University of London) is an arts administrator with expertise in project management and business development for the arts, based in London, UK. His experience in international cultural projects and exhibitions of art, design and science, along with a personal passion for the arts, allow him to create synergies that lead in creative collaborations with a focus on public interaction. He has been associated with the Hellenic Institute of Holography since 2011 mainly curating its Collections and has actively contributed in the conception, development and realization of LightAlive in all its iterations.
Daniel Sharov
Science Communication Coordinator
Daniel is a PhD student of ITMO University in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. In 2017, Daniel started his work in Children Techpark and Optical Museum where he designs, prototypes and tests different exhibits, exhibitions and educational programs with the general aim of increasing public understanding of science. In 2019, Daniel obtained his master’s degree in Russia’s first science communication program at ITMO University.
Yannis Georgaras
Graphic and Industrial Design
Yannis (B.A. in Product Design, Middlesex University, London) teaches ergonomics and industrial product design at the AKTO Athenian College of Arts since 1996. With two RED DOT international awards for his creations (2008 and 2013), he designs and develops object prototypes and functional devices. Closely involved with the Hellenic Institute of Holography since 2009, he is instrumental in creating integrated solutions for its proprietary origination equipment, state-of-the-art advanced illuminants and innovative exhibition display elements for the LightAlive projects.
Alkis Lembessis
Technology is the driving engine of modern life and science its fuel. Life should be creative fun. No reason why science cannot be fun too. Alkis Lembessis, Producer/Artistic Curator
Alkis (M.Sc. in Applied Economics, University of Surrey, UK) already counts 35 years of successful international business experience and few social awards in a multitude of areas. Founder of the Hellenic Institute of Holography and its current Chief Administrator, he now enjoys spending his time -among other activities- with the overall production and promotion of the LightAlive series of exhibitions. His private interests in Fine Arts and regular involvement with the world of Museums allow him to also act as Artistic Curator in these Science Communication events. But mostly he is responsible for all business and commercial aspects.
