Despite the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Split Science Festival will not be cancelled, and will take place May 10-15, its theme being Culture of Science. Most activities will be online, live via the ZOOM platform or recorded presentations, which will be available on the University of Split’s YouTube channel, starting from the time specified in the program. Part of the activities planned to take place live will be complying with all epidemiological measures and recommendations.
The Science Festival is an event aimed at bringing science closer to the public, that is informing it about activities and results in the fields of science and arts, improving the public perception of scientists and motivating young people to research and acquire new knowledge.
Numerous online activities have been prepared this year also, so those interested will be able to watch a series of scientific experiments, workshops and exercises. The Festival promotes scientific principles and way of thinking. Children are always the Festival’s special target group, because promoting science aims to intrigue and encourage them to study environment and the world around them, as well as inspire some of them to want to pursue a career in science. More than 80 activities have been prepared for all ages, from kindergarten, primary and secondary school pupils to the general population.
Video materials (lectures, presentations) will be broadcast via the University’s YouTube channel, real-time events via the Zoom platform, 12 of them live, with strict adherence to epidemiological measures. On the University of Split’s website, it will also be possible to see presentations, exhibitions and a virtual walk through the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOR).
This year's theme, Culture of Science, prompts us to wander: What is culture and are we contributing to a culture of science?
Etymologically, ‘culture’ comes from the Latin ‘colere’, which means to inhabit, cultivate, protect and respect. Does science contribute to our way of thinking, do we respect scientific discoveries and understand how important research is for everyday life and its quality, do we follow instructions given by scientists and experts, how do we fight for validation of science and how successfully? Who affects our opinions, attitudes and prejudices, at a time when information is available to everyone - but not the awareness of its origin, truthfulness and quality? This year's theme strives to communicate culture of science in dialogue between scientists and the public, in order to maintain mutual understanding and trust.
The Festival’s detailed program is attached below.