Photo above by Elisa von Brockdorff

University student organisations will be science busking along Republic Street in Valletta, during Science in the City, on Friday 25th September from 6pm onwards.

University student organisations will be science busking along Republic Street in Valletta, during Science in the City, on Friday 25th September from 6pm onwards.

With over 20 stands, engineering, ICT, psychology, health, medicine, pharmaceutical and science students will be enthralling visitors with hands on activities, experiments, health checks, 3D printing and robots.

The main attraction of the University Engineering Students’ Association (UESA) is an airplane that will surely capture the visitors’ attention. Other exhibits at their stand include a GPS tracker, a Universal Counter, a sound amplifier, as well as a mechanical lifter. Audiences of all ages will have a taste of what engineering is all about. Students from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) will be showing the robot Drobika and other fun electromagnetic games and motors at their stand.

Science meets health is this year’s theme from the Malta Health Student’s Association (MHSA). Students will be engaging with visitors to offer foot screenings by their podiatrists, health checks such as blood glucose and blood pressure, while nutritionists will be measuring people’s body mass index. Radiographers will also give advice on the signs and symptoms of various cancers. Individuals will have an opportunity of participating in a DNA spooling experiment while children will enjoy the sensory box activity provided by Occupational therapists.

Bear Hospital by MMSA – photo by Francesca Attard

S-cubed (physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics) invites the public to learn and discover different science facts and current research at the University. Among their innovative and practical activities they will have colourful chemical reactions, magnets, insects, and many fun interactive experiments for all ages. S-cubed will also be present on the Main Stage (opposite the Law Court) to give vibrant explosive science displays: from fireworks to combustion.

For the first time Psychology students from Betapsi will be focusing on Synaesthesia, a perceptual condition where individuals perceive words as colours or time as an actual ticker tape hanging in mid air. At the stand there will also be a practical section “My experience with Synaesthesia” by a student who experiences this phenomena.

ICT stand –  photo by Elisa von Brockdorff

Student doctors from Malta Medical Student Association (MMSA) will be bringing sex health games, glucose testing, teddy bear hospital and beat the burn outreach to the festival. At the MMSA stand, visitors can also take snapshots at their photo booth to share them with friends through the Science in the City Facebook page.

From the computing world, ICTSA (ICT Student Association) are bringing robots and assistive devices. Apps through a Lens (Faculty of ICT) will be bringing wine tasting and digital hopscotch for adults and children alike. The wine tasting is a clever analogy on computer monitoring, come and find out how. While a raspberry pi hooked to pressure sensor will let children jump around and play digital hopscotch. Ascent Software will be showcasing their robot while Thought3D are going displaying 3D printing technology with a 3D printer with the help of their newly released printing adhesive.

Science in the City – European Researchers Night is funded by the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) Programme, and organised by the University of Malta, the University’s Research Trust (RIDT), and the Malta Chamber of Scientists. It is recognised as a Festival by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).

The festival is also supported by the European Commission Representation in Malta, the Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sports, Karl Borg Events, Central Bank of Malta, MCAST, MCST, Studio 7, MEUSAC, PBS, Levo Laboratories, Valletta Local Council, Notte Bianca, Arts Council Malta, Spazju Kreattiv, and General Soft drinks with Coca Cola.

Full programme can be viewed on http://www.scienceinthecity.org.mt or follow the festival on Facebook for regular updates: http://www.facebook.com/ScienceInTheCityMalta.