by EH
On September 27, the historic Piazza Unità d’Italia in Trieste will once again become a focal point for scientific exploration and public engagement as the city hosts SHARPER—SHAring Researchers’ Passion for Education and Rights—part of the European Researchers’ Night. This pan-European event, an initiative by the European Commission, aims to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public, fostering a deeper understanding of research and its impact on society.
Trieste, often celebrated for its rich academic heritage and vibrant research community, will join hundreds of cities across Europe in this endeavor. The event, coordinated by the Immaginario Scientifico in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste and numerous local research institutions, promises a day of discovery and interaction.
Activities will unfold from the afternoon into the late evening, offering an array of opportunities for citizens to engage with scientists. Piazza Unità will transform into an interactive hub, with researchers stationed at various booths, ready to share their work through games, installations, and live demonstrations. The program also includes discussions and performances, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere for all ages.
As part of the city’s commitment to education, the event will feature dedicated activities for schools. On the morning of September 27, students will participate in hands-on experiences that coincide with the broader Trieste Next festival, a celebration of scientific research running from September 27 to 29. In the days leading up to SHARPER, local schools will host pre-event sessions under the Researchers at School initiative, offering students direct encounters with scientists and visits to research facilities.
Pre-events will begin in early September, setting the stage for the main event by introducing the public to the world of research through a series of talks and guided tours of scientific institutions.
SHARPER is part of a broader project backed by the European Commission and managed by Psiquadro, a social enterprise. The initiative is in collaboration with the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), the Immaginario Scientifico, the association Observa Science in Society, and five Italian universities, including the Polytechnic University of Marche and the University of Cagliari.
Beyond Trieste, SHARPER will take place in 15 other Italian cities, including Ancona, Bari, and Genoa, showcasing the country’s commitment to scientific outreach and education.
The Trieste edition of SHARPER is a collaborative effort involving key local scientific institutions, collectively known as the Trieste City of Knowledge. This consortium includes notable entities such as the Miramare Marine Protected Area, the Elettra Sincrotrone, and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). Together, they represent the city’s longstanding tradition of scientific excellence.
As Trieste prepares to welcome residents and visitors to this celebration of science, the city reaffirms its role as a beacon of knowledge and innovation in Europe.
For more information on the event, visit sharper-night.it/sharper-trieste or immaginarioscientifico.it.
