Have you ever wondered how you can grow a human ear from an apple? Or how your house can heat itself?

Intriguing research touching on such thought-provoking topics is happening in universities all across Ontario — and the Curiosity Cruiser wants to tell you all about it during a stop at Brock Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Thursday, Aug. 17.

The cruiser is part of the Research Matters campaign, an initiative among Ontario’s universities to raise the public’s awareness about university research and connect researchers with the wider community.

The interactive booth showcases information about innovative research taking place across the province, all while engaging visitors with various quiz games and video components.

The booth will be set up near the Hungry Badger, between Walker Complex and Academic South beginning shortly after noon Wednesday until about 5 p.m. Thursday.

“We are elated to have the Curiosity Cruiser visiting Brock as a part of the 2017 summer tour,” said Christina Quintiliani, a PhD student in the Faculty of Education and Brock’s Research Matters student ambassador. “The Curiosity Cruiser event and Research Matters campaign are so important in promoting awareness of influential research projects taking place not only at Brock, but also in universities across the province.”

The Curiosity Cruiser coincides with the 2017 Digital Pedagogy Institute Conference taking place the same two days on campus. The conference is a joint collaboration between Brock, University of Guelph and the University of Toronto.

“We strongly encourage everyone from the Brock community, including faculty and students from all departments, to take a few minutes out of their day to visit the booth and learn how Research Matters applies to their own academic work and studies,” Quintiliani said.

“The interactive trivia components in this year’s set-up are fabulous additions that allow participants to fully acquaint themselves with some of most significant game-changing moments in research across Ontario.”

In addition to the Curiosity Cruiser, Research Matters is running its Stay Curious Trivia Contest online. Participants can watch the videos for clues and then provide an answer for a chance to win one of four $150 Visa gift cards.

For more information about the Curiosity Cruiser or Research Matters, contact Quintiliani at cq00aa@brocku.ca