Fifteen Days of Science and Technology to promote scientific culture throughout the Azores
Under the celebrations of the National Day of Scientific Culture, marked on November 24, the Azorean Government, through the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology, will hold the initiative Fifteen Days of Science and Technology with activities on all islands of the archipelago.
The Fifteen Days of Science and Technology, which runs from November 15 to 30, features initiatives that are mainly aimed at school audiences, including exhibitions, lectures and a play.
There is also a scheduled presentation of a book in the field of volcanology as well as several experimental activities covering various scientific areas, such as solar and rock observations, study of electrical circuits, among others.
Other planned activities include lectures delivered by astronomer Pedro Russo from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands under the theme "The Fascination of Space." The sessions will be held on November 22 at Domingos Rebelo Secondary School in Ponta Delgada at 8:30 AM and at Lagoa Secondary School at 2:30 PM.
The event also features the "Tech Day" and "Lab&Tech" initiatives that will promote activities in the field of robotics and virtual reality, the "Speak Science" competition and the theatre play "Enlightened Heating." The latter will cover the islands of Pico and São Jorge as well as the municipality of Povoação, São Miguel Island.
The Fifteen Days of Science and Technology are organised in partnership with the regional network of Science Centres. The initiative aims to disseminate the best that is done regarding the scientific culture in the Azores, raise awareness for the importance the role played by scientists, defend biodiversity and to preserve the environment for the future of humanity.
The National Day of Scientific Culture, marked on November 24, was officially established in 1996 by the former Minister of Science and Technology, José Mariano Gago, as a tribute to the birth of Rómulo de Carvalho, who was a professor, researcher and author of scientific dissemination books.
This date intends to enhance the role of science, encourage the taste for scientific activities and raise awareness for the importance and relevance of Science in our everyday life.
Those who are interested may consult the programme of the Fifteen Days of Science and Technology through the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology page at the address: http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srmct-drct/.