What does it mean to be neurodiverse? Do my genes make me who I am? Are robots the way to the future? Can I control the Large Hadron Collider? Find out this and more at the Science in the City 2024 Festival!

On 27-28 September, the Triton Fountain area in Valletta will be abuzz with dozens of interactive stands and hands-on activities for a brand new edition of Science in the City. Nearby at Sala San Duminku, a variety of enchanting indoor performances and workshops will be sure to spark curiosity and creativity. The festival will emotionally engage citizens while empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to take action locally and globally via informed decision-making. Accompanied by pre-festival events and post-festival content, Science in the City is an experience you won’t want to miss.

This year’s festival activities include interacting with humanoid robots from the University of Malta Cottonera Resource Centre, using 3D modeling to understand the role of microbes in the intestine with The BioArte Limited, virtually exploring shipwrecks, plane wrecks and other underwater locations around Malta thanks to Heritage Malta, and so much more!

The festival will also feature entertaining performances from local and international performers Braintastic! Science, Ringroad Theatre, The Bad Boy of Science, Diccon Cooper and Buddies’ Experiments, answering questions 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 Inclusion’. As the world rapidly undergoes monumental changes, especially to its environment, security, and health, research is vital to address major challenges.

Addressing the audience at the Press Conference, Prof. Alfred J. 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 practice of equity, diversity and inclusion. What we’ve been doing as an institution applies also to the celebration of Science in the City.”

Erika Puglisevich, Board Member, Malta Chamber of Scientists 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, Science in the City has evolved into Malta's largest science and art festival through innovative collaborations and engaging content. With a vision that merges science, arts, and education, the festival now attracts 30,000 visitors annually and collaborates with nearly 100 organisations. Vinny Piscopo, Managing Director 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 explore the wonders of science. By embracing diverse perspectives, we not only enrich the scientific community but also ensure that the benefits of scientific discovery 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 Hon. Dr Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, “The continued success of Science in the City is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of science to address contemporary challenges and create a brighter, more sustainable future."

Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation pointed out that, "There are many misconceptions regarding science as it is perceived as a difficult subject to study. However, we now recognize the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics as we use them all the time. They help to make our lives better and improve our quality of life.”

Hon. 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, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental pillars for a more beautiful and equitable future. The Minister concluded by stating, "This festival serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless creativity and innovation that fuel the cultural development and prosperity of our nation."

Co-Funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. Grant Agreement No 101162176. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. It Is recognised by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).

The Science in the City consortium is led by the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists, in partnership with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation​, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Arts Council Malta, Malta Enterprise, Life Sciences Park, Institute for Methods Innovation, Esplora, APS Bank, tech.mt, PBS, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, The Bio Arte Limited, Queen Mary University of London, SEM, European Parliament, La Roche Posay, Green Pak, AcquaBioTech Group, MCAST, Mighty Boards, MED-WET, Piscopo Gardens, Trust Stamp Ltd., Storm Design, Tech MT and the Floriana and Valletta Local Councils.