ON FRIDAY 27 AND SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024, THE SAFEGUARD OF THE PLANET AND SCIENCE WILL BE PROTAGONISTS IN TWENTY ITALIAN CITIES WITH THE 19TH EDITION OF THE EUROPEAN NIGHT OF RESEARCHERS, ORGANIZED BY FRASCATI SCIENZA. OVER 500 EVENTS, INCLUDING WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITIONS, SHOWS AND MEETINGS, WILL SEE MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND RESEARCHERS ENGAGED TO ENGAGE ADULTS AND CHILDREN, SCIENCE ENTHUSIASTS OR SIMPLY CURIOUS PEOPLE
Protecting the planet at the heart of the European Night mission
This edition of the European Night of LEAF Researchers will be dedicated to safeguarding the planet, a mission more urgent than ever. The acronym LEAF – “heaL thE plAnet’s Future” – summarizes the main objective of the initiative: to raise public awareness of the importance of scientific research and of technological progress to protect the Earth and address the environmental challenges of our time.
The event is part of a large project funded by the European programme HORIZON-MSCA-2023-CITIZENS-01-01 and falls within the objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The European Night of Researchers received the Medal of the President of the Republic for the second consecutive year, a prestigious recognition that underlines the importance of the event in the Italian scientific and cultural panorama.
Harry Potter and the emotions of Inside Out: how to tell science to young people
There is no shortage of events dedicated to young people and families. In Frascati, the scientific communicator Willy Guastiknown as Zoosparklewill guide the public to discover the fantastic animals of the world of Harry Pottertransforming the world of fantasy into an astonishing scientific journey.
On Saturday 28 September, the public will be able to immerse themselves in human emotions with an educational show inspired by the famous film “Inside Out”.
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust will accompany an unprecedented and unmissable educational show, where teachers and scholars of the human mind will accompany everyone in the labyrinth of human emotions. A perfect combination of entertainment and scientific learning, capable of attracting and involving viewers of all ages.
Rome: scientific laboratories, virtual reality and the frontiers of medicine
The capital will be one of the nerve centers of the European Researchers’ Night, with numerous activities organized in various research institutes and universities.
In Rome there will be various activities with researchers from the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome, including understanding how to make the enjoyment of art accessible to neurodivergent and visually impaired people.
A photographic exhibition will also be set up at the CREA headquarters and another dedicated to Alan Turing and the man-machine relationship, created by the EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation.
For the little ones, there will be a laboratory at Explora, the Children’s Museum of Rome, to observe, classify and experiment with tools to understand the nature that surrounds us. AtIFO – Regina Elena National Cancer Institute and the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute – e IRCCS there will be an information point on HPV and related cancers.
At the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, it will be possible to examine the microscopic structure of biological tissues, revealing the secrets of life at the cellular level.
At INMI Spallanzani, one of the most advanced laboratories in Italy for the study of infectious diseases, it will be possible to participate in a interactive laboratory to follow the traces of infectious viruses through the analysis of their genome.
Innovative sensors for analyzing food
With researchers from the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, it will also be possible to test innovative sensors to analyze food, while at the Roma Tre University it will be possible to discover the secrets of anthocyanins, natural red and blue pigments that give color to fruits and vegetables. There will be no shortage of events dedicated to technology and innovation.
All’European Space Agencyyou will be able to experience the thrill of experiencing zero gravity and meet the Italian astronauts in person Anthea Comellini e Andrea Patassawho will talk about their experience and selection process as members of the astronaut reserve. A photographic exhibition dedicated to Alan Turing, the famous mathematician who laid the foundations forArtificial intelligence and the relationship between man and machine.
Frascati, Piacenza and other cities: a journey between science and technology
In Frascati, in addition to Harry Potter Zoology, the public will be able to participate in workshops ranging from immunology to physics. With the association The Physical Trailsfor example, it will be possible to experience extreme cold and discover how matter reacts to temperatures close to absolute zero.
Other events will allow explore the Solar System thanks to projections and scale models, for a journey across the planets that will leave everyone with their noses in the air.
In Piacenza, the applications of Artificial Intelligence in the medical and nursing fields will be investigated, analyzing how these technologies are revolutionizing treatments and diagnoses. Here too, the public will be involved in interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, to better understand the future of medicine.
An event that involves many Italian cities
But the event is not limited only to Rome, Frascati and Piacenza. Many cities open their doors to science: Ariccia, Carbonia, Cassino, Colleferro, Cosenza, Fiumicino, Frascati, Gorga, Latina, Monterotondo, Nemi, Palermo, Parma, Piacenza, Pisa, Potenza, Sestu, Velletri and Ventotene.
In Palermo, Cosenza, Potenza and Velletri they will offer a program full of scientific initiatives. Instead in Cagliari, an operating theater will be rebuilt. Participants will be able to observe what happens during surgery, thanks to the collaboration with the Italian Association of Operating Room Nurses (AICO Italia). In Monterotondo, the students of the G. Peano scientific high school will bring the laboratories to the squares, involving passers-by in scientific dissemination activities.
Science for everyone: a weekend of discoveries
The European Night of Researchers is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the world of scientific research, both young and old. The hundreds of events planned throughout Italy will allow you to discover and experiment with science. This is thanks to the possibility of personally participating in interactive workshops, astronomical observations, seminars and shows.
The objective is also to bring young people closer to evaluating a career in science for their future, inviting them to actively contribute to safeguarding the planet.
The LEAF 2024 European Night of Researchers is ready to offer two days of discoveries, innovation and fun for the whole family.
For those who want more information on events and activities, you can consult the official website Frascati Science or follow the initiative on social networks.
