Scientific Events Call for
Science in the City
(Deadline 3 February)
A great opportunity for scientists and students to convey scientific concepts to the public.
Science & Art Festival 26th September (possibility of 27th September)
Preference will be given to events that can be repeated during Notte Bianca
Submission for entertaining scientific events
What are we looking for?
Creative ways for researchers and students to communicate science to the public. For example, talks,
demonstrations, workshops, busking, quizzes, competitions, treasure hunts, tours, and more. For ideas check
out: http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/events/archive/2012 ; http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/whatson/programme-archive ; http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/about-us/brochures#brochure-archives
Below are topics to help inspire artists. The first three are based on local scientists interested in working with
local artists (please contact for details). Proposals sent around these topics will be preferred:
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How did the Universe start and what are we made up of? — CERN: the European Organization
for Nuclear Research is a world leader in experiments that find out what particles are made of. A 27
km-long tunnel under Geneva in Switzerland slams particles on counter-rotating deems to find out
what makes up everything we see.
How do molecules look? How are they made? — Celebrating the International Year of
Crystallography: X-ray crystallography is used to obtain 3D models of molecules. It is involved in
our daily lives and forms the backbone of industries that develop new products, including the agrofood, aeronautic, automobile, beauty care, computer, electro-mechanical, pharmaceutical and mining
industries.
Control a computer through your thoughts — Brain–computer interface devices: These systems
allow individuals to communicate or control equipment directly by thinking about it. They bypass the
need for physical movement. The technology has benefited individuals who are mobility impaired
with practical applications as an assisted living and communication tool. Local researchers are
interested to work with artists to develop ‘thought controlled’ gaming applications, and are open to
other ideas.
Breakthroughs and best inventions of 2013 — Inspiration from any of these ideas. These include
cloning humans, making your immune system fight cancers, driverless toy cars, invisible skyscrapers,
resurrection of extinct species, and even how the bacteria living in your gut protect your health. Please
see: http://news.sciencemag.org/breakthrough-­‐of-­‐the-­‐year-­‐2013 or
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=world-­‐changing-­‐ideas-­‐2013-­‐intro or
http://techland.time.com/2013/11/14/the-­‐25-­‐best-­‐inventions-­‐of-­‐the-­‐year-­‐
2013/?xid=newsletter-­‐techland
Origins — Where does humanity come from? Where does the Universe come from? What are we
made of? Where does life come from? Where do ideas come from? The possibilities are endless.
… and any other idea? Please get in touch.
Event can be repeated for at least one weekend. Target audiences: children, youths, families, adults.
A 1–3 page proposal with quotes (due to short time restrictions quotes can be handed in late) structured as
follows: Event Summary, Background and objectives, Execution (Methods), Costs, Evaluation, Outcomes,
Logistics. See below for details on each section.
Aims:
1. To show how science is part of everyday life and that researchers are normal human beings with an
extraordinary job.
2. To develop entertaining events around a scientific concept or idea, especially local science.
3. For researchers to engage with the public.
4. Located in Valletta, preferably in the streets and buildings between St James Cavalier and St George’s
square. Nearby buildings and streets can also be considered (if in doubt please email).
Values of Science in the City: Science, art, creativity, technology, education, entertainment, quality,
interactive, engagement between people.
Target audiences: children, youths, families, adults.
Proposal Structure (1–3 pages long—short and sweet, plus financial quotes):
Event Summary — most important part to showcase your idea, focus on what is most important for
your event.
Background and objectives — details on the idea developed, and the science which will be explored
and communicated.
Execution (Methods) — which approaches and tools will be used to convey the scientific topics.
Costs Full breakdown of costs: materials, chemicals, hours, lighting, and so on. Costs would be stated
in Euros, and include VAT. When VAT is not stated in a proposal, it will be assumed to be included.
Costs will be reimbursed.
Evaluation — how would you gauge if the audience liked it, and how much did they take back from
it. This will need to be co-ordinated with the whole event.
Outcomes — how many people are you expecting to reach, target audience, what do you expect the
audience will understand from the event.
Logistics — depending on the event please consider thinking about: Security, Lighting, length of
duration and portability, requirement of permits, and so on.
Deadline: 3 February. Proposal will then be chosen by the board to be sent for funding. The result of the
funding would be received by end of May.
Contacts: please send your proposals to: info@scienceinthecity.org.mt. For more information about all events
contact Edward Duca (edward.duca@um.edu.mt; Mob: 99239974) and/or Karen Fiorini
(fiorinikaren30@gmail.com ; Mob: 99868348). For more information about the festival and previous
programme, please check: http://scienceinthecity.org.mt/
Evaluation: Selection of proposals it will be judged on:
Location — in Valletta and close to the main events
Science — how well grounded/inspired by science?
Innovation (creativity) —how creative are the scientific concepts conveyed?
Cost — how cost-effective is the proposal? Are costs complete? Are quotes provided?
Reach — how many people can be involved in the event?
Engagement — how interactive is the event?
Most weight will be given to Science, Creative and Engagement criteria.
Please sign and date your proposal
N.B.: awarding of the proposals is subject to the funding being allocated.