Discover, Innovate, Inspire: Uniting Science And Society At Science In The City 2024
What does it really mean to be neurodiverse? Do our genes make us who we are? Are robots the future? Can anyone control the Large Hadron Collider? All these questions and more will be answered at the highly anticipated Science in the City 2024 Festival!
On 27th and 28th September, Valletta’s Triton Fountain area will be transformed into a vibrant hub of interactive stands and hands-on activities for the latest edition of Science in the City.
Just steps away at Sala San Duminku, an array of captivating indoor performances and workshops will ignite curiosity and creativity in visitors of all ages. The festival is designed not just to entertain but to emotionally engage the community, equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions that impact both local and global challenges. With pre-festival events and a rich lineup of post-festival content, Science in the City is a must-attend event that promises to leave a lasting impact.
This year’s lineup includes incredible opportunities like interacting with humanoid robots from the University of Malta Cottonera Resource Centre, using 3D modeling to delve into the role of microbes in the intestine with The BioArte Limited and virtually exploring shipwrecks, plane wrecks and other underwater wonders around Malta with Heritage Malta.
But that’s not all! The festival will also feature thrilling performances by local and international acts such as Braintastic! Science, Ringroad Theatre, The Bad Boy of Science, Diccon Cooper and Buddies’ Experiments. They’ll be tackling questions like “What does it mean to be neurodiverse?”, “Do my genes define me?”, “How do mathematics and DNA intersect with movement and music?” and “Can I control the Large Hadron Collider?”
This year’s festival theme, J.E.D.I.—which stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—could not be more relevant as the world faces rapid and significant changes, particularly in the areas of environment, security and health. Speaking at the Press Conference, Professor Alfred Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, highlighted the importance of this theme, saying, “The University is proud to have been recently awarded the national Equality mark in recognition of its commitment to the principles and practice of equity, diversity and inclusion. What we’ve been doing as an institution is also reflected in the celebration of Science in the City.”
Erika Puglisevich, Board Member of the Malta Chamber of Scientists, expressed her excitement about the festival, particularly the integration of J.E.D.I principles into research and innovation, with the goal of dismantling inequalities, amplifying diverse voices and ensuring fair access to opportunities.
Over the past 12 years, Science in the City has evolved into Malta’s largest science and art festival, attracting 30,000 visitors annually and collaborating with nearly 100 organisations. This growth is a testament to its innovative approach to merging science, arts and education. Vinny Piscopo, Managing Director of Piscopo Gardens, a proud sponsor of the festival, shared his hopes that “by bringing plants and trees to the heart of the city with our Green Hub festival stand, we can inspire and drive positive change in our communities.”
“Science is for everyone and our goal is to have people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences feel welcome and inspired to explore the wonders of science. By embracing diverse perspectives, we not only enrich the scientific community but also ensure that the benefits of scientific discovery are shared by all. As we approach this year’s festival, we are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already received. We are very optimistic about its success and we are confident that the diverse and engaging program we’ve prepared will resonate with a wide audience,” festival coordinator Dr. Edward Duca emphasised.
“The continued success of Science in the City is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of science to address contemporary challenges and create a brighter, more sustainable future,” Hon. Dr. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, noted.
“This festival represents more than just a celebration of science; it is a sign of curiosity and discovery for all ages,” Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, added.
Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, also emphasised the critical role of community engagement in fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation through Science in the City.
Co-Funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, Grant Agreement No 101162176, the festival is recognised by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE). The Science in the City consortium is led by the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists, in partnership with numerous esteemed organisations, including the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Arts Council Malta, Malta Enterprise, Life Sciences Park, Institute for Methods Innovation, Esplora, APS Bank, tech.mt, PBS, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, The BioArte Limited, Queen Mary University of London, SEM, European Parliament, La Roche-Posay, GreenPak, AcquaBioTech Group, MCAST, Mighty Boards, MED-WET, Piscopo Gardens, Trust Stamp Ltd., Storm Design, Tech MT and the Floriana and Valletta Local Councils.
Get ready to be inspired, educated and entertained at Science in the City 2024—Malta’s biggest celebration of science and innovation!