OSNI contest: New year, new round of guessing what these objects are!
Emerging from their hiding places, the OSNI (Unidentified Scientific Objects) are back to challenge you and test your knowledge and powers of deduction.
The goal: try to discover the name of a strange object and its purpose. Don't hesitate to give it a try: there are prizes to be won!
Participate until February 13, 2026:
- On site in the Science Library
- On Instagram @bu_montpellier by responding to our story every week or on Instagram @lescollectionsdelum
- On the UM Collections website
OSNI No. 1/2026
Participate until February 27, 2026:
- On site at the Pharmacy Library
- On Instagram @bu_montpellier by responding to our story every week or on Instagram @lescollectionsdelum
- On the UM Collections website
OSNI No. 2/2026
What are OSNIs?
Witnesses to the history of science and technology, the Unidentified Scientific Objects from the University's heritage collections are now mysteries, their function, use, and sometimes even their name forgotten!
This contest, open to everyone, is an opportunity to rediscover them and learn a little more about the history of science in centuries past.
Every two months or so, objects are displayed in the window of the Science Library or Pharmacy Library for you to identify: it's up to you to figure out what they are!
An event organized by the Historical Heritage Department and the Joint Documentation Service.
How to play?
- Discover these items in the Science and/or Pharmacy libraries.
- Every week, to get you on the right track, a new clue is revealed on site, on the BU Instagram account, and on the UM Collections website.
- When you have found it, place a reply slip in the box provided or reply to the stories on Instagram.
- And at the end, a random draw from among the correct answers will determine the winner, who will receive a small prize of their choice from among the prizes on offer, such as: a beach racket set, a backpack, Bluetooth headphones, and perhaps some unidentified surprises...