Professor Shintsuke Shimojo of the California Institute of Technology is an internationally renowned scholar who has published various findings and research about illusion in scientific journals like "Science," and "Nature." He went one step further to transform his research achievements into displayable items, and had them put on exhibition in the two science museums in Tokyo and Shizuoka. In the science museum of Shizuoka, Shimojo's works occupy three whole floors and were put on permanent display. It was a very "hot"exhibition, attracting students to visit on holidays to the extent that they linger on the site without any thought of leaving. Shimojo's exhibitions are successful examples of the integration of science and education.

   All the items on display in NTU's current exhibition were masterfully planned by Professor Shimojo with the assistance from the faculty and students of the Department of Psychology. The first five items were popular exhibits from the Japanese museums, whereas the latter five items were specifically designed and adapted for the NTU venue, and were considered world premieres. Every display item is equipped with an interactive learning platform, allowing spectators to operate on their own. In order to achieve the best effects, NTU particularly invited Hollywood designer Shana Mabari, famous Japanese artistic director Noriyuki Tanaka, and internationally famous modern experimental dancer Hiroyo Kitao to come to Taipei to participate in the design and programming of the exhibition, so that the best multiple effects of art, science and education could be achieved. Dancer Hiroyo Kitao herself played the role of the disappearing dancer in the first two days of the show.

  To complement the current exhibition, Professor Su-ling Yeh and Associate Professor Chen Chien-chung of the Psychology Dept. specifically opened a course on "The Theory and Practice of Illusions", training students to understand different types of illusions and the theoretical foundations behind them. During the exhibition period, two students from the course will conduct daily guided tours and help out in the interpretations. In addition, students are required to create their own works of illusion based on the theories they learned in class. The good student works will be put on display in the area marked as "Student Creations."

  In addition, in the part dealing with "Illusion and Science: Interactive Teaching," interactive methods are employed to introduce how studies in psychology, physics, and neuroscience about illusion contribute to science. This part is coupled with illusionary displays to introduce the works published in international scientific journals by Professor Shimojo, his collaborators, and the faculty and students of NTU.

※Introduction of Professor Shinzuke Shimojo

   Dr. Shimojo is a full professor of the California Institute of Technology, and leader of Japan's large scale research project on "the latent functions of the brain."His main areas of specialization include human sensory functions, cognition, and the study of movements. The laboratory under his leadership is also known for its expertise in these areas, and has become the top research group of CIT capable of conducting in-depth researches into human cognitive functions and neuroscientific topics. His laboratory uses all kinds of high technology, including cranium magnetic stimulation, functional brain radiography, electroencephalography, etc., and, in line with the classical teachings of psychology and physics, probes into topics related to illusion, surface signs, movements, attention, emotions, decision-making, infant development, and cross-sensory studies.

※ The NTU Azalea Festival Illusion Show
Time: March 17th, 12 noon to 5 p.m., March 18th –April 16th, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except April 5th )
Place: Multifunction Room, 1st Floor, NTU Main Library

  This exhibition provides guided tours to the public. Schools and social groups are welcome to make their bookings. For any questions regarding group bookings, please obtain appropriate information from the official website.
  Reference website:http://epa.psy.ntu.edu.tw/index.htm