About
“Science on the Street” (Slo: Znanost na cesti, ZnC) is a project devoted to the promotion of science, launched as a voluntary activity by two scientists from the Jožef Stefan Institute in Spring 2013. Since then, popular lectures on science take place in the evenings at public places – galleries, cafes, city squares and alike. The project has been initiated as a response to the persistent reduction in the budget for science, with the aim to improve public awareness about the achievements and challenges related to science in Slovenia. It started as a “no-budget” project under the umbrella of the Slovenian Academic Society for Science and Engineering (SATENA). In 2017, the Science on the Street, Institute for the promotion of science, has been established as a non-profit institution in the public interest.
The “Science on the Street” team have organized short scientific lectures given by invited scientists, who, in discussion with invited journalists, present interesting achievements and research across a wide range of scientific areas that are important for improving the economy and well-being. The lectures (in the form of a conversation) are followed by a discussion with the public. The events (so called A cup of science) are recorded and later published at Videolectures.net service, YouTube as well as an audio podcast (mostly in Slovene).
The first, who widely opened the doors to science, was City’s Gallery Kresija in Ljubljana. Later we moved to the Café Grand Hotel Union and lately to the ZRC Atrium. Meanwhile, a new branch has been established – Scince among books, taking place in the bookshop and library. We also spread the events from the capital to other Slovenian cities.
Among the most popular events organized by the Science on the Street team is science slam. The brilliant performance of highly creative researchers seasoned by the performance of the moderators, make a special atmosphere in which everyone feels good with science.
There are a few “add-ons” that shouldn’t be overlooked: Blog (mostly in Slovene), where researchers write about their work in non-professional language, understandable and interesting for the general public, contests for the best science story, poetry, photo, video or an idea and round tables. The events are mostly in Slovene only, as the primary audience is Slovenian public.
In 2023, the Science on the Street celebrates it 10th Anniversary. We believe that the concept is great, but we keep thinking about how to further improve the science promotion activities. You are kindly invited to give us any suggestions (info@znc.si).
The Science on the Street team have to express gratitude to the project supporters, who helped us bringing science out of its ivory tower among the citizens.
Commitment of the Science on the Street Institute
- Promoting Science Education: We believe that scientific literacy is crucial for informed decision-making and societal progress. Through engaging and accessible science communication, we strive to inspire curiosity, ignite passion for learning, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
- Bridging the Gap between Science and Society: We aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and the wider society. By translating complex scientific concepts into understandable language and relatable examples, we strive to make science accessible to everyone. We encourage dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, educators, and the general public.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: We are dedicated to promoting critical thinking skills and scientific inquiry. By fostering a culture of curiosity and intellectual inquiry, we strive to cultivate a deep appreciation for evidence-based knowledge and the scientific method.
- Inspiring Future Generations: Through educational programs and mentorship, we aim to ignite curiosity and passion for science among young learners.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: We actively seek collaborations and partnerships with scientific institutions, educational organizations, government bodies, and community stakeholders. Through collaboration, we maximize the impact of our initiatives to promote science, education, and innovation for the benefit of society.
Through these commitments, Science on the street Institute strives to make science more accessible, inclusive, and impactful. We believe that by empowering individuals with scientific knowledge and fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we can contribute to a more informed, sustainable, and thriving society.
Relevant links
Previous events: “Cup of Science”
Previous events: “Science Among the Books”
Other events
Partner in Premurosa in Flamingo
Basic data
Name (SI): Znanost na cesti, zavod za promocijo znanosti, Ljubljana
Name (EN): Science on the Street, Institute for the Promotion of Science
Address: Teslova ulica 30, Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana
Registration number: 8015856000
ID VAT: 95265945
Bank account: SI56 0201 0026 2379 534 (NLB d.d, LJBASI2X)
PIC No: 910016074
Director: dr. Kristina Žagar Soderžnik
E-mail: info@znc.si