The Bucharest Science Festival returns in 2024, running from September 25 to 29. Over five days, the festival will host 22 events across 13 locations in Bucharest. It offers an exciting mix of exhibitions, workshops, debates, and scientific demonstrations, aiming to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of the world around us.
Since its first edition in 2013, the festival has been organized annually by the Asociația Secular-Umanistă din România (ASUR) and Planeta Științei. With a mission to explore the mysteries of the universe, the festival’s goal is to share the passion for science with a wider audience, providing fresh perspectives on human knowledge.
As Romania’s first major science festival, it has inspired countless visitors through hands-on experiences, enlightening conferences, and awe-inspiring exhibitions.
Events of Bucharest Science Festival 2024:
Some of the key events this year include:
Conferences and Debates
The James Webb Space Telescope – a revolution in astronomy
Librăria Humanitas de la Cișmigiu
Bd. Elisabeta nr. 38 București
27 Sep 2024 19:00-20:30
Mark McCaughrean will review some of the highlights of the first two years of observations, covering galaxy formation in the early universe to planets in our own solar system and around other stars. It will also focus on the results of its own science projects with JWST studying star and planet formation in Orion and Perseus’s constellations, including the surprising discovery of Jupiter-mass candidate binaries (or JuMBOs) in the Orion Nebula.
With a distinguished career at NASA, the Steward Astronomical Observatory in Arizona, and the European Space Agency (ESA), Mark McCaughrean is an authority on astrophysics, recognized for his significant contributions to space exploration and science communication. He has given presentations in all parts of the world and many contexts. He was also at the Bucharest Science Festival in 2017 and spoke at the World Economic Forum in 2015.
On guard around the Earth
Muzeul Național de Istorie Naturală
Sos. Kiseleff nr. 1 București, sector 1
29 Sep 2024 17:00-18:30
Artificial satellites are our guardians from above. From orbit around the Earth, they help us see, in real-time, the changes happening on our planet’s surface.
Their help is all the more important today, given the challenges generated by climate change. How can we use them to adapt to new conditions? What do satellite data reveal? How does the European Space Agency (ESA) contribute to the development of human knowledge?
We will discuss all this with Ioana Lung, the Earth Observation Program Communication Officer at ESA, who will be a special guest at the Bucharest Science Festival 2024.
Exhibitions
Schools’ Science Fair
Promenada Mall
Calea Floreasca Nr. 246B, Bucureşti
25 Sep 2024 10:00-13:00
Children learn most easily from other children their age, and they also learn a great deal when they think about how a notion or phenomenon might appear to other young people their age.
This is how the Schools’ Science Fair was born this year at its 10th edition.
During the Salon, teams of students, under the guidance of science teachers, will perform practical demonstrations for the other visiting students. Chemistry experiments, robotics demonstrations, Virtual Reality (VR)- based educational applications, 3D printers, and more await!
Exhibition with fire engines, helicopters
Piața Revoluției 1A
București
27 Sep 2024 10:00-14:00
Fire and police vehicles, robots and helicopters will be able to be admired and studied. A fascinating exhibition for any tech enthusiast!
Means of public transport:
Metro: Line M2 – Universitate Station or Piața Romană
Buses: 100, 137, 205, 226, 381
Trolleybuses: 66, 61, 69, 70, 85
FAST (Future of Air & Space Technology)
HEAVY YARD & HEAVYSHOP
Strada Vasile Lascăr 38, București 020502
September 28 2024 12:00-20:00
The FAST (Future of Air & Space Technology) Expo is a public exhibition that brings together teams of high school students, students and enthusiasts from the fields of robotics, astronomy, astrophysics and technology in general.
The Romanian Space Initiative is organizing the exhibition, which will take place on September 28 at Heavy Yard (Strada Vasile Lascăr 38, Bucharest).
The helicopter, from dream to reality
Aeroportul Internațional Aurel Vlaicu
București
29 Sep 2024 10:00-14:00
Although the idea of the helicopter can be found among the works of Leonardo da Vinci, the complexity of these flying machines made them remain in the realm of dreams until late in the 20th century. The first mass-produced helicopter was the Sikorsky R-4, which took off for the first time from the ground in January 1942. Since then, these aircraft have proven to be essential vehicles in a multitude of fields, enabling a quick access to places hard to reach with other means of transport.
With the support of the General Aviation Inspectorate, we offer you the opportunity to see up close the helicopters and planes owned by the Department for Emergency Situations, which are used in search and rescue missions, for humanitarian missions, emergency aeromedical transport and transplantation. Among them are the famous Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, direct descendants of the R-4 model, the „patriarch” of all helicopters today.
The exhibition will take place at the base of the General Aviation Inspectorate at Baneasa Airport.
Experiments and Demonstrations
After the bats in your neighborhood – Rahova
Parcul Sebastian
Next to the main fountain
September 27 2024 18:30-20:30
These fascinating animals do not cross paths with us very often. If you are careful, you can see them at dusk when they go hunting. They hunt insects, which are small and agile, so you recognize them by their characteristic flight, full of „acrobatics”. Also, if they pass close and there is still enough light, we can clearly see that they have a different conformation than the birds.
Together with the association Wilderness Research and Conservation we propose a visit to the Bucharest of bats in the Rahova district. We will meet for a presentation about the life and habits of bats, then we will go on a walk to meet them. How will we discover them? Starting from the echolocation sounds they emit to detect their prey!
The meeting takes place in Sebastian Park, next to the main fountain.
Visit to the Baneasa fire station
Detașamentul de Pompieri Băneasa
Strada Căpitan Șerbănescu nr. 4, Sector 1, București
28 Sep 2024 10:00-14:00
Come see with your own eyes how a fire station works, what a fire engine looks like, and learn stories about the day-to-day work of these military personnel!
There are people who constantly risk their lives to save other people. Save lives, homes and forests. They know how to put out a fire, rescue injured people from cars and give first aid.
Visit to the Bucharest of bats
Librăria Humanitas de la Cișmigiu
Bd. Elisabeta nr. 38 București
28 Sep 2024 18:30-21:00
Together with the association Wilderness Research and Conservation we propose a visit to the Bucharest of bats. We will meet on the terrace of the Humanitas Cişmigiu Bookstore, then, after a presentation about the life and habits of bats, we will go for a walk through Cişmigiu to meet them. How will we discover them? Starting from the echolocation sounds they emit to detect their prey!
Workshops for children and young people
Kids’ Lab
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies
1-7 Gheorghe Polizu Street, Bucharest
September 26 2024
10:00-10:50
11:00-11:50
12:00-12:50
13:00-13:50
We invite you to discover the magic of chemistry through exciting experiments, specially created for children between the ages of 7 and 13! In our workshops, the little participants will have the opportunity to become real scientists.
Science workshops in the garden – For parents and children
Yardinia
Strada Scolii, Odăile 075100
September 28 2024 11:00-20:00
September 29 2024 11:00-20:00
William and the Secrets of the Universe
Librăria Humanitas de la Cișmigiu
Bd. Elisabeta nr. 38 București
September 28 2024 11:00-12:00
An interactive meeting, at Humanitas Cișmigiu, in which we will explore the solar system and the planets through practical activities and engaging discussions, starting from the book „William and the secrets of the Universe” by Gertrude Kiel.
How is the world built? – Critical and creative thinking workshop for teenagers
Librăria Humanitas Lipscani
Str. Lipscani nr. 42, București
29 Sep 2024 14:00-15:30
We invite you to discover how critical thinking underlies the development of humanity and society. This interactive workshop offers 11-15 year olds the opportunity to explore the complex phenomena behind simple questions such as „Why?”. Through engaging discussions, participants will learn to find creative solutions to the surrounding problems, form coherent opinions and express them correctly. In other words, we will learn together how to build the world by thinking!
Events for schools outside of school
Visiting Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut Mega Mall
Blvd Pierre de Coubertin no. 3 – 5, et 2
September 25 2024 10:00-11:30
September 26 2024 10:00-11:30
Garden Science Workshops – For Kindergartens and Schools
Yardinia
Strada Scolii, Odăile 075100
September 26 2024 09:00-16:00
September 27 2024 09:00-16:00
Events for schools at your school
About adolescence, sex, changes and feelings
At your school
September 25 2024 10:30-17:00
September 26 2024 10:30-17:00
September 27 2024 10:30-17:00
How is the world built? – Critical and creative thinking workshop for secondary school students
At your school
September 26 2024 10:00-17:00
September 27 2024 10:00-17:00
How to learn for yourself?
At your school
September 27 2024 15:30-16:30
16:30-17:30
Visits to laboratories and companies
Visit the laboratories of the Military Technical Academy
September 25 2024 10:00-13:00
September 26 2024 10:00-13:00
September 27 2024 10:00-13:00
Visit the archeology laboratories of the University of Bucharest
The Faculty of History within the University of Bucharest
Bd Regina Ellisabeta 4
September 25 2024 10:00-12:00
September 26 2024 10:00-12:00
September 27 2024 10:00-12:00
Meet a scientist!
How can I pursue a career in physics?
At your school
September 25 2024 10:00-16:00
September 26 2024 10:00-16:00
September 27 2024 10:00-16:00
How can I pursue a career in chemistry?
At your school
September 25 2024 10:00-16:00
September 26 2024 10:00-16:00
September 27 2024 10:00-16:00
- „The Science of Space Travel”: Exploring future technologies and missions to other planets.
- „Energy of Tomorrow”: Discussions on renewable energy and its role in the future.
- „The Future of Artificial Intelligence”: Exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements.
- „How to Think Critically”: Workshops for students on improving critical thinking skills.
Each event brings together experts and enthusiasts, encouraging dialogue and hands-on learning.
Bucharest Science Festival 2024 – Program Details:
Here’s a brief look at the daily program:
Day 1: Wednesday, September 25
- Military Technical Academy Laboratory Tours – An exclusive chance to explore Romania’s cutting-edge military technology.
- Science Fair for Schools – Schools present projects on innovation, technology, and scientific advancements.
Day 2: Thursday, September 26
- Space Exploration Debate – A session featuring experts discussing the possibilities and challenges of space travel.
- Critical Thinking for Students – Workshops aimed at honing analytical skills in various scientific fields.
Day 3: Friday, September 27
- Interactive Science Demonstrations – Experiments and activities spread across Bucharest, offering hands-on engagement with scientific principles.
- Teen Workshops on Renewable Energy – An interactive workshop focused on solar, wind, and other renewable energies.
Day 4: Saturday, September 28
- Emergency Response Tech Exhibition – A showcase of the latest technology in emergency services, including fire and medical response tools.
- Astronomy Night – A special stargazing event led by experts in the field of astronomy, offering a unique look at the night sky.
Day 5: Sunday, September 29
- Family Science Day – A day dedicated to fun, educational science activities for families, with DIY projects and interactive exhibits.
- Bat-Watching and Nighttime Ecology – A guided experience exploring the habits of bats and other nocturnal creatures.
- Fire Station Tour – A behind-the-scenes look at how firefighters use scientific principles in their daily work.
For the event’s detailed program, please visit the official event website.
The Bucharest Science Festival has become a crucial event for promoting science and fostering dialogue between the scientific community and the public. Whether you are passionate about astronomy, biology, or cutting-edge technology, this festival offers something for everyone, emphasizing that science is not only vital but exciting.
