Professor Jiro Kondo’s Molecular Model “BasePairPuzzle” Exhibited at French Scientific Event “Fête de la Science”
Professor Jiro Kondo from the Department of Materials and Life Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology has developed a molecular model called “BasePairPuzzle,” which was exhibited at the Fête de la Science, held across France from October 4 to 14.
The BasePairPuzzle was created with the concept of “Make Science on Your Hands,” in collaboration with Shota Nakamura from StudioMIDAS Inc.
This original molecular model fits comfortably in the hand and provides a satisfying click with magnets, allowing users to experience the attraction and repulsion between molecules. Made with a 3D printer, it is durable and expected to be useful in educational settings and for generating new molecular design ideas.
It also won the Excellence Award at the “Kawaii Kansei Design Award” hosted by the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering in November 2023.
The exhibition was made possible through the cooperation of Professor Benoît Masquida from the Université de Strasbourg, who was a visiting professor at Sophia University last year. Incorporating the BasePairPuzzle into his classes, he proposed its display at the event, leading to the model being showcased at a science museum “Le Vaisseau” in Strasbourg, on October 12 and 13.
Professor Kondo commented, “I have been developing chemical education methods using the BasePairPuzzle with Professor Masquida from the Université de Strasbourg, our partner institution. I visited Le Vaisseau in 2019 and was impressed by its wonderful setup where children can learn by touching various exhibits. I always wanted to display the BasePairPuzzle in such a place. I am delighted those local children enjoyed interacting with the molecular model and experiencing science in a fun way.”