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6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 28 AUGUST 2024 NEWS Science in the City Festival 2024 ON 27 and 28 September, the Triton Fountain area in Vallet- ta will be abuzz with dozens of interactive stands and hands-on activities for a brand new edi- tion of Science in the City. Nearby at Sala San Duminku, a variety of enchanting indoor performances and workshops will be sure to spark curiosi- ty and creativity. The festival will emotionally engage citi- zens while empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to take action locally and globally via informed deci- sion-making. Accompanied by pre-festival events and post-fes- tival content, Science in the City is an experience you won't want to miss. This year's festival activi- ties include interacting with humanoid robots from the University of Malta Cotton- era Resource Centre, using 3D modeling to understand the role of microbes in the intes- tine with The BioArte Limited, virtually exploring shipwrecks, plane wrecks and other under- water locations around Malta thanks to Heritage Malta, and so much more! The festival will also feature entertaining performances from local and international performers Brain- tastic! Science, Ringroad The- atre, The Bad Boy of Science, Diccon Cooper and Buddies' Experiments, answering ques- tions such as, ''What does it mean to be neurodiverse?", "Do my genes make me who I am?", "How do mathematics and DNA help with movement and music"? and "Can I control the Large Hadron Collider?" J.E.D.I. is this year's festival theme, which stands for 'Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclu- sion'. As the world rapidly un- dergoes monumental changes, especially to its environment, security, and health, research is vital to address major challeng- es. Addressing the audience at the Press Conference, Profes- sor 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 the prac- tice of equity, diversity and in- clusion. What we've been doing as an institution applies also to the celebration of Science in the City." Erika Puglisevich, Board Mem- ber, Malta Chamber of Scien- tists shared that she is "excited for this year's festival and the integration of J.E.D.I principles into research and innovation to dismantle inequalities, amplify diverse voices, and ensure fair access to opportunities." Over the past 12 years, Sci- ence in the City has evolved into Malta's largest science and art festival through innovative col- laborations and engaging con- tent. With a vision that merges science, arts, and education, the festival now attracts 30,000 vis- itors annually and collaborates with nearly 100 organisations. Vinny Piscopo, Managing Di- rector of Piscopo Gardens, a proud sponsor of Science in the City, 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." At this year's press conference, festival coordinator Dr Edward Duca expressed, "Science is for everyone, and our goal is to have people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences feel welcome and inspired to ex- plore the wonders of science. By embracing diverse perspectives, we not only enrich the scientific community but also ensure that the benefits of scientific dis- covery 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 programme we've prepared will resonate with a wide audience". According to Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innova- tion, "The continued success of Science in the City is a tes- tament to our commitment to harnessing the power of science to address contemporary chal- lenges and create a brighter, more sustainable future." Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Par- liamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation point- ed out that, "There are many misconceptions regarding sci- ence as it is perceived as a diffi- cult subject to study. However, we now recognize the impor- tance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathe- matics as we use them all the time. They help to make our lives better and improve our quality of life." Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, underscored the essential role that art and science play in the general well-being of society and stressed the importance of promoting justice, equality, di- versity, and inclusion as funda- mental pillars for a more beau- tiful and equitable future. The Minister concluded by stating, "This festival serves as a pow- erful reminder of the limitless creativity and innovation that fuel the cultural development and prosperity of our nation." What does it mean to be neurodiverse? Do your genes make you who you are? Are robots the way to the future? Can you control the Large Hadron Collider? Find out this and more at the Science in the City 2024 Festival! Over the past 12 years, Science in the City has evolved into Malta's largest science and art festival through innovative collaborations and engaging content.