SitC · Science in the City, Malta

Science in the City, Malta

The Science in the City project has been conceived to engage, empower and enable children and youths to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers. In 2021, Science in the City (SitC) concentrated most of its activities on the Sowing Seeds theme, acknowledging the fact that each and every one of us can make a difference. We are that much closer to creating a better world: environmentally, politically, and economically, if we develop our ability to think critically, join forces with scholars to address today's problems, and make an active decision to seek that change. All of these elements contribute to a higher standard of living. As always, we hope to engage new audiences through scientific research projects, theatre, music, dance, exhibitions, installations, and other kinds of art. Through science and the art, the year 2021' theme Sowing Seeds was about more than just introducing academics and citizens to the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). It's all about giving citizens the power to shape their own destiny. RRI focuses on ensuring that all citizens take responsibility for their future, and we seek to bring industry, government, citizens, and researchers together to address the problems we face as a nation and as global citizens through the addition of citizen science. We need to improve critical thinking abilities across the board in Malta, as well as in other countries around the world if this is to be successful. We believe that these abilities enable us to make a deliberate, reflective change. This holds true in any field, from the arts and sciences to ethics, the environment, and politics. What are the problems/issues being addressed? These are the issues we are looking to explore with the festival are: What role does the citizen play in the conservation of the environment? What roles do the arts have in bridging the gap between citizens, industry, scientists, and policy-makers? Where can research play a role in this process? Can storytelling help in conceptualizing a more sustainable future that merges science and culture? How can the Maltese people contribute to Europe’s green transformation? How have changes throughout the history of the Maltese Islands shaped the state of our environment today? What role do our culture and history play in our collective environmental consciousness? What is the importance of critical and creative thinking skills in the development of active citizenship when it comes to our public identity, concerns, and political environment? How does an improvement in the environment contribute to the well-being of society (physically, psychologically, spiritually)? Why is it important for society? In 2021, the festival’s projects brought together members of our communities, researchers, and artists, to work towards a clean, circular economy, restoration of biodiversity, rehabilitation of our environment and elimination of pollution. Following the policy areas mentioned in the European Green Deal, projects feature topics around biodiversity, clean energy, building and renovation, climate neutrality, eliminating pollution, and sustainability in areas such as food systems, agriculture, industry, and transportation. We are also interested in artworks around research concerning engineering, social sciences, behavioral science, well-being, neuropsychology, inclusive economy, health, language, and education. In fact, it is really important for everyone to understand the stakes and the issues that we have to face, and what could be done to solve them. But the information is not accessible easily for everyone, and by reaching an audience through the festival, a lot more people could be aware of the issues, and what they can do to face them. Also, science information is sometimes out of reach for some people, and is more accessible through a festival that communicates science in an “easy” way for a large scale of the target audience. It is important for people to understand that research is accessible to everyone and is also important for societal and modern issues. It shows that everyone can play a role in these issues. Also, for the young generations, it is important to show them that science is an open door for every student who’s interested and for every gender.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union