Bluenights 2023
Back in 2023, the European Researchers’ BlueNIGHTs presented experiments, interactive hands-on activities, exhibitions and workshops in several cities of the EU’s Regional Marine Areas (RSAs).
The second edition of the BlueNIGHTs were organised on Friday 29 September 2023 in the six partners countries: Finland, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Romania. To see the programmes of the activities that took place in the various cities, you can visit the virtual platform
The events took place in 15 cities in different RSAs: Capo Granitola, La Spezia, Naples, Trieste, Venice and Valletta for the Mediterranean RSA, Tulcea and Galati for the Black RSA, Helsinki for the Baltic RSA, Lisbon, Cascais and Torreira for the Atlantic RSA, Boulogne-sur-Mèr for the Channel/North RSA, Strasbourg and Bologna for the inland areas.
finland
In Finland, the EU Blue Researchers’ Night was organized in Helsinki at the City Hall. The event was open to the public from 9:00 to 15:00 (CET). Finnish Environment Institute Syke, in collaboration with local partners including the City of Helsinki, Rotary Club, Baltic Sea Action Group, and Helsinki Region Environment Services, arranged various activities. Furthermore, a workshop, organized by high school students and focused on exploring marine fauna living on bladderwrack, took place at the event. Tens of ordinary people and several invited school classes were visiting the event.
France
In France, the BlueNIGHTs were organised from 16h00 to 22h00 (CET) at two different locations, namely Boulogne-sur-Mer and Strasbourg. The partners responsible for the events were Nausicaá (in Boulogne-sur-Mer), ACTEON and HOLO3 (in Strasbourg). At the aquarium, Nausicaá organised a main event called “The Ocean and its mysteries” with informal talks with local scientists to discover the world of the marine researchers, the work in different geographical contexts, to discuss about the gender, and a science fair, with hands-on activities and sciences. In Strasbourg, ACTeon with HOLO3 organised a series of different activities such as scientific cafés, games, virtual reality experiences and workshops.
italy
The 2023 edition of the European Researchers’ Night confirmed itself as a successful event capable of connecting so many European cities in the name of the scientific research. In Italy, the CNR met with its public, old and new, offering demonstration activities, interactive workshops, exhibitions, games and quizzes to tell the story of the researcher’s profession with its many facets, challenges and opportunities.
In Venice, BlueNIGHTs was celebrated together with the DVRI and the city’s academic realities in collaboration with VenetoNIGHT. In Bologna, at the Lucio Dalla square, activities were held in collaboration with the SOCIETY riPENSAci project. In La Spezia, at the seafront in collaboration with the MareLibera event. In Naples, at the Monte S. Angelo university complex in collaboration with the S.T.R.E.T.S. project.
In Trieste, at the Science Centre Immaginario Scientifico in collaboration with the SHARPER project. And for the first time BlueNIGHTs also landed in Sicily where it celebrated the Night at Capo Granitola at the Ex- Tonnara.
The events took place outdoors in easily accessible and well-known places or indoors within academic or research facilities, enjoying great success with the public and active participation by marine researchers from different disciplines and experiences.
malta
The University of Malta participated in the researchers’ night as a guest of a bigger event happening every year in Malta called Science in the City happening in Valletta. Our Nights took place at the spotlight of this organisation and settled by the triton fountain at the gateway of Valletta. Such an advantaged position allowed us to reach an incredible audience both of people interested in the event and locals/tourists happening to visit our stand. The night was a full success thanks to the great amount of awareness raising tools we displayed. In particular the greatest attractions were the VR headsets, interactive Robot, the showcase of our field research equipment and videos supported by a number of 3D replicas of alien species and Maltese Marine Protected landmarks. The audience spanned bondageless from the youngest children to elders mesmerised by the wide array of cutting-edge technology at the service of the Valletta Blue Night.
portugal
This year, the BlueNIGHTs Torreira extended its program for 2 days, between the Estaleiro-Museu of Monte Branco and the Monte Branco Caffé, at the margins of the Ria de Aveiro. The first day targeted mainly schools during the day, with hundreds of visitors being able to experience a close contact with researchers in a research fair including many stands and hands-on activities for every age. From marine organisms observations (including diatoms, algae and invertebrates), exhibitions and games, to unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) demonstrations, physics shows and Science&Art installations, many offers were available followed by a series of Science Cafés open to the general public during the night period. The second day of activities, on saturday, targeted the general public and families with children, in particular, offering moments of storytelling on a deep-sea research adventure, Magic Science, exhibitions, Musics from the Ocean, Science&Art workshops and installations, but also Science Cafés during the afternoon. The events allowed the participation of a wide and diverse target public range. The 2-days approach was demanding in effort and logistics, but it was definitely worth it!
Romania
In Romania, the INCDDD organised the event in person in Tulcea and the virtual one in Galati. The event ran from 9h00 till 17h00 (CET). Activities consisted in conference, presentation and debates with researchers on several topics linked to the Danube Delta environment and Black Sea ecosystem.
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