RESEARCHERS' NIGHT (As part of the EU FP7 Marie Curie Action)
This activity with and for the community in the Galilee aims to bring the researchers closer to the public at large, so enhancing their role in the mainstream of society. It is an activity that happens once a year, around Succoth, on almost the same day with around 600 entities over Europe (universities and research institutes). The increasing success and impact of this annual event in the Galilee, since 2006, both in terms of the number of people reached and the benefits to the community justifies its annual frequency. The format of the event allows for a greater cohesion between the various public sectors, the target audience and the scientific activities in the Galilee.
Researchers Night 2009's objective was to initiate a nationwide festival of science and scientific thought by celebrating human achievements in Evolution and Space Exploration: 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, 150th anniversary of the Theory of Evolution and the international year of astronomy celebrating 400 years of Galileo's invention of the telescope for astronomical observations. The main purpose was to provide thepublic, young audiences included, an opportunity to meet researchers within the context of a festive activity and to promote interest in science as well as to highlight the appeal of pursuing a research career. The event intends to bring science and scientists closer to the general public in order to diminish stereotypes about researchers and their profession.
The event also provided scientists with the opportunity to understand and respond to the concerns and aspirations of the community. The Night itself was rich and imaginative with science-based programmes reaching across the expanse of scientific endeavour. The event included informal settings, such as "Round Table" discussions with scientists and Galilee's industrialists where scientists and the public could meet in an informal atmosphere that does not resemble a lecture hall and bridge the gap, i.e. get to know better the person and human behinds the title!
The summary sentence in 2009 (by a parent) was:
Could you please organize such event every month?
The summary sentence in 2009 (by a visitor) was:
"Hi, it is Europe here!"
An important key message to the community was a change initiated by MIGAL of the appearance of the street next to MIGAL. This South Industrial Zone is very neglected and "gray" and not taken care off. We succeeded to help in upgrading it tremendously and the public and businesses in the area very exited by that.
Before and after upgrading the street
