The Science Festival, proposed throughout France in the autumn, aims to present science in a fun, friendly, and exciting way through numerous activities, games, and shows centered around sciences and their applications.
The 23rd edition of this national annual event, which is entirely free, will take place in the Alpes-Maritimes from October 1st to 12th. The year 2014 has been declared by UNESCO as the “International Year of Crystallography,” but as every year, all disciplines will be covered.
Aimed at all types of audiences, including students, it also seeks to inspire young people to pursue scientific vocations.
Thanks to the dynamism of over a hundred scientists from laboratories, research organizations, museums, and associations, all passionate about spreading scientific and technical culture, this event attracts an ever-growing audience each year.
Last year, it welcomed nearly 21,000 visitors across the entire department, 50% of whom were students, who participated in more than a hundred events.
This new edition, in addition to an extremely rich program dedicated to students, will feature some key events aimed at the general public across three science villages:
In NICE, the Science Village at Parc Valrose (from October 1st to 5th) with stands for activities and experiments, a science café, a science cinema, and engaging activities.
In VILLEFRANCHE-sur-MER, the Science Village at the Oceanological Observatory (from October 10th to 12th).
In SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, the Science Weekend Village of Sophia Antipolis (on October 11th and 12th).
Aside from these highlight events, an “Open Doors Day” aimed at illustrating the continuum from Research to Innovation, the privileged theme of this Science Festival, is proposed on Thursday, October 9th at the Business Pole of Sophia Antipolis.
Several cities and villages are also very active in this event, such as CONTES, a long-time participant, or SIGALE, which animates the whole Estéron valley, not to mention the cities of GRASSE, VALLAURIS, MENTON, or ANTIBES, which will host the 40th anniversary of GAPRA.
Moreover, many researchers visit schools to enable classes to experience the Science Festival without traveling, thus reaching a larger number of students.
