Almeria’s researchers revalidate their leadership in the European Researchers’ Night

Thousands of citizens will once again take part in this scientific dissemination activity, which is being held simultaneously in almost 400 cities in more than 30 countries.

The Rambla Federico García Lorca and the Patio de Los Naranjos de la Delegación del Gobierno de la Junta de Andalucía have become the largest showcase of scientific dissemination in Europe.

Thousands of people from Almeria have responded with their presence to the call of hundreds of scientists from the province who have shown the work they carry out in the laboratories. A response that revalidates the leadership of Almeria, led by the University, in the European Researchers’ Night.

A total of 87 exhibitors have shown activities on topics as diverse as emotions to the rhythm of Tik Tok; regenerative agriculture; pollination; microalgae; archaeology; the secret life of waste; a flying train by magnetic levitation; citizen science; mysteries of the human voice; social inclusion in mental health; mathematical challenges or how to control a haemorrhage.

The proposal, coordinated by the Descubre Foundation, brings together the participation of 13 Andalusian scientific institutions from the eight provinces and is consolidated as the most important simultaneous event in the Andalusian scientific field.

The UAL will contribute to the development of TARSIS, the next generation instrument for the Calar Alto 3.5 metre telescope

Satisfied by the great reception of this event in the city of Almeria, the rector of the UAL, Carmelo Rodriguez, thanked the response of the people of Almeria and the collaboration once again of the administrations in this event. Rodriguez stressed that “one of our lines of the University’s strategic plan is to bring the university closer to society, so with the European Researchers’ Night we manage to narrow the distance between the general public and researchers who, by explaining in an educational way the impact of their work on our daily lives, help to break myths about the abstraction of science and promote research careers”. The Night also helps to increase public recognition of researchers by offering the public, whatever their age and scientific background, the opportunity to discover the ‘human face’ of research through direct exchanges and debates with researchers.

The delegate of the Government of Andalusia highlighted “the success of this day in which hundreds of families are visiting and participating in some of the many activities organised on the occasion of the European Researchers’ Night”. Martín assured that “the Andalusian government is being the setting for some of the initiatives led by scientists and students who are showing visitors the importance of research in our day-to-day lives”. In addition, according to Martín “with this scientific and recreational day we are bringing the innovative capacity and talent that the University of Almeria has thanks to the collaboration of all the administrations”.

On behalf of Almeria City Council, the Councillor for Culture and Education, Diego Cruz, expressed his satisfaction “to see once again how the people of Almeria of all ages have once again responded to the call of this Researchers’ Night, already consolidated in the cultural and educational calendar of the city as a massive event. They have filled the Rambla and the Paseo with curiosity to see all these advances that are made with great effort and dedication from the University and research centres. Almeria is Culture and there is no doubt that the future is based on knowledge”.

Finally, José Antonio Picón, representing Cajamar, also valued “the interest that Researchers’ Night arouses every year among young and old, helping to visualise technological advances, new tools and their applications and uses for the well-being of people in their daily lives, as well as in the activity and operation of companies and professional activities”.

Source: UAL NEWS

 

¿What is the European Researchers’ Night?

he European Researchers’ Night, Europe’s largest science communication and promotion event, will take place in 26 countries to showcase the diversity of European research and innovation and their impact on citizens’ daily lives. It will take place in several EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.

The event, which gathers over one million visitors every year in Europe and beyond, brings scientists closer to the general public and stimulates interest in research careers, especially amongst young people. Children, youngsters and families will have the chance to get to know researchers’ work through entertaining and educational activities such as science shows, games, quizzes, competitions, exhibitions, and digital activities.

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “Every year the European Researchers’ Night unveils the wonders of science to children, teachers, parents and European citizens in fun, entertaining ways, and allow them to discover how our researchers improve our daily lives. And I am particularly delighted to announce that researchers and children will now be able to interact throughout the year thanks to “Researchers at Schools”, an initiative which will enhance the connection between research and education further by bringing research into schools.”

In the context of the European Year of Youth, the Commission has launched the new “Researchers at Schools” initiative, which will foster direct interaction between researchers, primary and secondary education teachers and pupils throughout the next two years. These exchanges will allow them to better grasp the challenges faced by our societies and broaden the access to science, technology, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and research activities. Activities under the “Researchers at Schools” initiative will be implemented by European Researchers’ Night projects and will include presentations at schools, hands-on experiments, visits to labs, games, discussions and role-playing. In the next two years, the initiative will reach out to more than 2400 schools and involve more than 224 000 pupils.

These two flagship initiatives, funded under the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) create unique occasions to show in concrete ways how European research is vital for our future and welfare and its role notably in combating climate change, achieving the sustainable development goals and promoting healthier environment and lifestyles for European citizens.

Source: Press release – European Commission