According to data released by the Department of Science Services, which is under the jurisdiction of the Regional Secretariat for Education, Science and Culture, the Azores Science Centres were visited in 2013 by over 54 thousand people.
The Network of the Azores Science Centres (RECCA), a structure that congregates scientific dissemination spaces on São Miguel, Terceira and Faial registered from 2012 to 2013 an increase of over 30% in the number of visits.
The rise in the number of visitors is the result of the increase and diversification of the actions addressed at the promotion of science that have been carried out by the Environmental Observatory, Santana Observatory, Sea Observatory, Microbial Observatory, Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory and by Expolab.
The initiatives developed by these entities included exhibitions, organisation of thematic seminars and workshops, conduction of science workshops at schools and other institutions, field trips, science fairs and scientific dissemination campaigns.
Moreover, science centres have also hosted the celebrations of various events, including the National Energy Day, World Environment Day, World Forestry Day and the World Tree Day; National Conservation Day, World Animal Day, World Tourism Day, World Food Day, National Day of Scientific Culture and the World Day Against AIDS.
According to the Regional Directorate for Science, the goal for 2014 is to maintain the upward trend in the number of visitors. In this regard, some communication initiatives addressed at the public in general will be held this year with the aim of attracting new audiences.