Making Science Inclusive and Accessible

Inclusivity has always been championed at Science in the City. Last year, the festival theme focused on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I). This translated into shows such as “Am I normal?” which challenged the stereotypes of ‘normality’ through science. Given the success of last year, we have set the bar, which the team aims to exceed this year, with the help of researchers, artists and volunteers.

For the first time ever, Teeny Tiny Tinkers is being launched at Sala San Duminku, for toddlers and their parents. Here the children get to have fun with science through play. While their older siblings get to enjoy the content for older kids such as the workshops and performances in the same building. The Teeny Tiny Tinkers will build mini rockets, colour, play with finger puppets and more. The space is geared for calming soothing activities that encourage creativity and social interaction.

Another first for the Science in the City festival, a unique performance from Sub_Bar by Francesco Spiaggari, an artist who is redefining our relationship with sound and vibration by using sub frequencies as a haptic art form. Sub_Bar offers a deep sensory experience that helps us understand how deaf people can also enjoy music. This will also be held as Sala San Duminku on Friday 26, 22:00 - 23:00, or Saturday 27, 21:50 - 22:50, tickets are free but booking is encouraged as seats are limited.

The activities at the street festival around Triton Fountain will also highlight inclusion and diversity. Let’s Make It Work is a stand set up by the EU’s DG Employment to raise awareness about the European Pillar of Social Rights. Discover how key principles like equal opportunities, fair working conditions, and social protection can improve the everyday lives of millions of people. Whether you’re a student thinking about your next step, a worker navigating career changes, or simply curious about your rights as an EU citizen, this is your space to ask questions, share thoughts, and discover helpful tools.

Another initiative which is gaining traction is the festival’s sensory room. This quiet space is fast becoming a valuable addition to a festival. It provides a calm, supportive space for visitors who may become overwhelmed by the busy, noisy, and stimulating festival environment. Festivals are naturally full of crowds, music, lights, and constant activity, which can be exciting for many but challenging for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including people on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing difficulties. By offering a quiet room in the street festival at Triton Square, the festival ensures inclusivity, making the event more accessible to a wider range of audiences.

Science festivals can be perceived as too academic or disconnected from everyday life. To change this, the festival presents science and research in ways that encourage human interaction, creativity and relevance to every citizen. The blending of science and arts is no coincidence, the storytelling, murals, performances, creative hands-on activities make this festival so much more relatable and fun. Topics like health, food, climate and technology are presented using friendly, inclusive language and through hands-on, interactive experiences for people from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy what 600 or so volunteers, artists and researchers backing the Science in the City, have to offer.

Visit the Science in the City social media platforms or website for more information about the events. See you in September! For free event booking visit Eventbrite website.

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). Past Forward Performance festival is supported by the Art Council Malta's Arts Support Scheme.

The Science in the City consortium is led by the University of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Scientists, in partnership with Institute for Methods Innovation, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology, the Floriana and Valletta Local Councils, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Xjenza Malta, Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation​, Esplora, Vibe FM, Heritage Malta, Malta Tourism of Authority, Public Broadcasting Services Limited, DG Employment, Malta Enterprise, Ministry For Transport, Infrastructure And Public Works, European Institute For Emerging Technologies, Circular Economy Malta, Digital Traffic Brain, The Inventors, Storm Design, Visit Malta, APS Bank, Aquatic Resources Malta, Research and Advisory Services Directorate, The Embassy Valletta Hotel, Supercharger Ventures, GreenPak, Tech.mt, eCabs, European Parliament, Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd, Ministry For Social Policy And Children's Rights, Spanish Embassy.

Photography Credits : Maria Micallef