Science takes over the streets of Coimbra: European Researchers' Night returns this Friday
The Science Route will take place from 5 pm to midnight in the city centre, with 75 activity points for all ages, organised by more than 500 scientists from the University of Coimbra.
The European Researchers' Night (ERN), an annual initiative to strengthen the links between science and society through talks, interactive games, science experiments and demonstrations, will take place in various cities nationwide, including Coimbra, next Friday, the 27th of November.
This year's edition is dedicated to the theme "Science for Global Challenges". It aims to highlight how scientists from all fields of knowledge are working to find solutions to issues affecting people's lives, such as health, the environment and the economy.
In Coimbra, more than 500 scientists from the University of Coimbra (UC) will be in the city centre from 5 pm and midnight to interact with the public and carry out various activities. The Science Route, promoted by the UC through the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), will take place in Largo da Portagem, Rua Ferreira Borges, Rua Visconde da Luz and Praça 8 de Maio, with 75 activity points for all ages.
Along this route, the public will have the opportunity to discover more than 30 research centres and associated laboratories of the UC, representing all fields of knowledge. Through presentations, experiments, games, discussions, and more, visitors will gain a closer look at the research conducted daily at the University of Coimbra to address various societal challenges.
The programme was designed by the UC in partnership with the Agência para a Promoção da Baixa de Coimbra (Coimbra Downtown Promotion Agency), in collaboration with around 60 shopkeepers, who will keep their doors open throughout the event. The initiative is also supported by Coimbra City Council and the União de Freguesias de Coimbra.
In addition to demonstrating how research is conducted and its impact on our daily lives, the European Researchers' Night aims to increase public interest in science and research careers through activities that illustrate, in a simple and accessible way, the crucial role of science in societal progress and how scientists work in different fields of knowledge. It is also an opportunity for scientists and visitors to share their concerns and expectations regarding current challenges.
The European Researchers' Night activities taking place on Friday in Braga, Coimbra, Évora and Lisbon are organised by a consortium of nine institutions: University of Coimbra; University of Lisbon (through the National Museum of Natural History and Science); Lisbon NOVA School of Science and Technology; ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon; Estoril Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotel Studies; Lisbon City Council; School of Sciences of the University of Minho; the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL); and the University of Évora (HERCULES Laboratory).
More information about the ERN programme in Coimbra is available on the event's website.
