The five Ws

EURAC science cafés began in 2005 as a project of the Department of Scientific Communication. Their goal is to publicise the research activities at EURAC and to raise public awareness about the not-always-so-obvious connection between our everyday lives and the world of research.  
 
Once a week during the summer, researchers and experts from different disciplines meet the public to discuss current science topics in an informal atmosphere. A cocktail bar, DJ music (selected each year from the ‘Sounds of Science’ competition) and the visual wit of cartoonist ‘Rudi’ combine to create a unique ambiance. The evening is guided by a professional moderator—no raised voices, PowerPoint presentations or lectures allowed: experts and public alike can participate fully. And after the event, videos, podcasts, photo galleries and radio programmes allow the public to relive their most interesting evenings. 
With time, EURAC’s science cafès have established partnerships with various organisations and have become a member of the National Organisation of Italian Science Cafés. Its experiences and the results of a survey carried out in collaboration with EURAC’s Institute for Regional Development and Location Management were presented at several conferences. In 2009, the cafés were extended into the Fall in collaboration with Bolzano’s TIS Innovation Park.  

The EURAC science cafè was created as part of the former project "Journeys Between Art and Science", which over a number of years produced art exhibitions in the Tower.