With the aim of highlighting the figure of researchers and the importance of their studies in society, Seville will be one of the selected venues of “Researchers’ Night 2012”, which will be held simultaneously in 350 European capitals. As has been customary since 2005, the fourth Friday of September will be launched throughout Europe this playful project of scientific dissemination, whose main objective is to bring researchers closer to the citizens so that they can learn about their work.

This edition of “Researchers’ Night 2012” will take place on September 28th. On that day, starting at 19.00 hours, the Andalusian capital will host eight informative micro-meetings in which a scientist, gathered with a group of approximately 15 people, will talk informally about the evolution of his professional career, while sharing with the audience his hobbies and other aspects that go beyond the purely professional. The activity aims to be a dynamic forum in which the public and researchers can meet and communicate face to face, as it is also a unique opportunity for young people to learn about the researcher’s profession, thus contributing to the promotion of scientific vocations.

Participation of cicCartuja

All the researchers taking part in the micro-meetings come from Andalusian centers belonging to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CISC). From cicCartuja, the presence of Margarita Paneque, Research Professor of the Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), who with her lecture “Dismantling the world” will try to raise awareness and educate for development and solidarity in the national territory. Federico Valverde, Senior Scientist at the Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF), is another scientist who will participate in this event. His talk, “Why do flowers bloom?”, will explain the development and metabolism of plants.

Once the micro-meetings have concluded, each researcher will carry out his or her activity, which will be attended freely by interested visitors from the audience of the previous meetings. In these spaces, the aim is to share with young people one of the scientist’s hobbies, which will highlight the more human aspects of the researcher.

The common denominator of the presentations is to promote respect for the natural environment, with the aim of helping to raise awareness about the conservation and maintenance of these ecosystems.

Entertainment activities

The “Researchers’ Night” will be rounded off by a series of evening activities with a markedly leisurely character. At 10 p.m., a jazz and blues concert is scheduled, followed by a sky observation. This particular scientific event will close at 24:00 hours.