“Tungsten is known for its exceptional properties of extreme hardness, extreme strength and high melting point”
The Laboratorium museum in Bergara is hosting the “W74: boterea, arrazoia eta etorkizuna” exhibition in which TECNALIA is collaborating
An immersive event that highlights the value of tungsten, the chemical element discovered in the town of Gipuzkoa in 1783 and considered to be one of the greatest scientific contributions to come out of the Basque Country.
The exhibition offers a historical and technological journey that explains how this metal went from being a scientific discovery in the 18th century to becoming a key strategic material for industry and technological development today. Tungsten is known for its exceptional properties, extreme hardness, extreme strength and high melting point, which have made it an essential resource in many industrial and technological sectors.
- The exhibition in Bergara uses audiovisual resources and interactive experiences to teach the public about the scientific, economic and social importance of this chemical element.
- The aim is to show how a local discovery managed to have a global impact and helped to transform industrial processes and technological developments throughout history.
A scientific legacy born in Bergara
The discovery of tungsten by the Elhuyar brothers at the Royal Seminary of Bergara placed the town on the international science map. More than two centuries later, initiatives such as this exhibition seek to reinforce this legacy and bring scientific culture closer to the public through new forms of dissemination.
- The exhibition is thus conceived as a meeting point between the past, the present and the future, combining scientific heritage, contemporary research and reflection on the technological challenges of the coming decades.
- With exhibitions like “W74: boterea, arrazoia eta etorkizuna”, Bergara strengthens its role as a historical benchmark for science and as an active space for the dissemination of knowledge and innovation.
TECNALIA has helped to prepare the exhibition, offering its knowledge in the field of tungsten and its advanced applications
TECNALIA’s Extreme Materials area develops new lines of research aimed at the use of this metal in strategic applications, such as the nuclear fusion reactors and the development of materials for high temperature and wear resistance.
Dr Miguel Lagos has taken part by offering his perspective on possible novel applications for tungsten, helping to connect the historical legacy of tungsten with its current and future technological uses.