The city of San Fernando is preparing to host the second edition of the European Researchers' Night, taking place in Plaza del Rey on September 25th. This scientific outreach event will feature approximately 70 workshops and interactive experiences, with the participation of 559 researchers and collaborating staff. The initiative aims to bring science closer to the general public, building on the success of the previous edition which attracted over 10,000 attendees.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the work conducted by universities and research centers through demonstrations and experiments. The activity, organized by the San Fernando City Council and the University of Cadiz (UCA), is supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Fundación Descubre.
Water will be one of the central thematic axes of this edition, addressing aspects such as marine and riverine biodiversity, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and pollution. Out of the 87 actions included in the overall program, 46 will be dedicated to this vital resource and its ecosystems.
The program will also include studies on environmental DNA, rip currents, water management, microalgae, salt pans, and new technologies applied to ecosystem analysis, alongside archaeology proposals. 41% of the activities are linked to research projects funded by public calls.
“"The event will allow us to explain both the content of the research and the work of the people involved in it."
The rector of the UCA, Casimiro Mantell, highlighted that the event will serve to showcase both the research content and the efforts of the professionals involved. Over half a thousand researchers will leave their laboratories to present their projects and working methods.
The territorial delegate for University of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Inmaculada Olivero, estimated around 700 people involved in the various proposals and encouraged participation from residents of the Bay of Cadiz, emphasizing the importance of the water theme.
The mayor of San Fernando, Patricia Cavada, recalled the figure of over 10,000 participants in the first edition and stressed the value of the event in bringing science closer to children, young people, and families, fostering critical thinking.
San Fernando, recognized as a City of Science and Innovation, hosts the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Navy, which contextualizes the celebration of this scientific event, with workshops reflecting the UCA's relationship with the Bay's environment.
The European Researchers' Night is held simultaneously in approximately 400 cities across the continent, and in San Fernando, Plaza del Rey will once again be the main venue for this public event.
