Thematic paths of the European City of Science 2024
Health and quality of life, climate and environment, industries of the future, social innovations, industrial and cultural heritage as well as creation and criticism - these are the topics of the six thematic paths that will be discussed as part of the European City of Science 2024 celebrations. This title was awarded to Katowice in 2021. Apart from the City of Katowice, seven Silesian universities, including the Silesian University of Technology, are involved in the organization of the event.
The 21st century is a time of many opportunities, but also numerous challenges related to the progress of science and technology. As part of the European City of Science 2024 and the planned 50 thematic weeks, we would like to focus on the most important topics of interest to contemporary society. We selected 6 paths dealing with selected issues, for which science can look for answers and solutions:
- health and quality of life,
- climate and environment,
- industries of the future,
- social innovations,
- industrial and cultural heritage,
- creation and criticism.
Health and quality of life
Taking care of our physical and mental health should be our priority. Unfortunately, despite the development of modern medicine and the increase in the quality of life, we often do not know how to act in harmony with our body and we do not realize what is best for us. In recent years, we have struggled globally with a difficult pandemic situation that has damaged the health of many of us.
Increasing access to health services and education in the field of health is the basis for sustainable development of the region and one of the objectives of the City of Science. It is also important to revitalize post-industrial areas so that they serve the local community as much as possible. Good planning of public spaces and greening of areas will enable spending free time in the open air in the pleasant and interesting way.
Climate and environment
Climate change and environmental pollution affect every person on Earth. Rising sea levels threaten to make hundreds of thousands of people living in coastal areas homeless. Severe weather may wreak havoc and cause huge financial losses. The loss of biodiversity contributes to the reduction of human resilience and the impoverishment of ecosystems. In the case of our region, it is important to attempt to revitalize the environment destroyed by industry.
It is the duty of Silesian universities and representatives of the authorities to undertake broad, multi-field cooperation in order to diagnose and propose solutions to the problems faced by the region.
Industries of the future
Our region is the forerunner of a great transformation, standing on the threshold of another civilizational leap, thanks to the new industry, which is science and academic education. Of course, it does not mean a break with the unique identity of Silesia and Zagłębie, created thanks to the region's industrial heritage. On the contrary, high technical culture, associating the inhabitants with advanced technology and work organization for centuries, the primacy of competence and diligence in the assessment of human being and the resulting tolerance, provide excellent support for building a culture of innovation and intelligent industries. In the near future, the science and education industry will retain and attract employees and residents from various parts of Poland and the world. And above all, the most talented young people of our region.
Thinking about the industries of the future also led us to the observation that all other thematic paths of EMNK (European City of Science Katowice) 2024 may result in new solutions. Topics related to health, climate, social innovation, creation and critique, as well as industrial heritage stimulate us to ask fascinating questions and look for extraordinary answers. As part of the considerations about the industries of the future, we will try to identify together all the questions that modern science may ask.
Social innovations
The pandemic has accelerated the process of social isolation, which is caused, among others, by social media and has led to the polarization of attitudes. Difficulty in communication between people, between different generations or people representing different values and worldviews is something we should work on intensively. We must strive to create a civil society in which we will have a chance to tame divisions and conflicts.
The Silesian Voivodeship is a perfect example of how diametrical social changes can affect the entire region. From an area strongly associated with industry, it has become a place that is increasingly focused on ecological solutions based on modern technologies.
Industrial and cultural heritage
Applied sciences, mining and heavy industry gave us modernity, a relatively high standard of living, work and influenced the dynamic development of cities. This is how the civilizational attractiveness of Silesia and Zagłębie, which for two centuries attracted people from Poland and Europe, was created. A unique technical culture was also born at that time - the effect of multi-generational efforts in an environment of complex machines and a complex division of labour. Industrial work became a social laboratory where the peaceful and effective cooperation of people of different cultures and languages was tested. This community is characterized by a lack of fear of machines and technology, a high level of technical competence and a tendency to implement innovation, home inventiveness - a kind of “off science” skills.
The heritage of Upper Silesia in the form of still present post-industrial areas is something that should not be ashamed of. The mining culture and the specificity of the border region (at the junction of Polish, Czech, German and Silesian influences) are something that gives the entire voivodeship an amazing colour and richness of history and tradition.
The path will include all activities related to the broadly understood industrial and cultural heritage. One of the topics discussed will be the processes of socio-economic transformation in regions where heavy industry was present.
Creation and criticism
It is important not only what is said, but also how. Children, youth and students absorb knowledge, but does this content really stimulate their curiosity and passion? Science can be presented in the way which can be as interesting as stories about alternative worlds or superheroes. After all, we all like good stories and we need someone to tell us an intriguing story about them.
As part of the "Creation and Criticism" path, we want to focus on, among others: the issues of creating and conducting a narrative, but also critical reflection on the actions taken. We will pay attention to interdisciplinarity, because only a look from different perspectives allows one to create a complementary and internally consistent reality. We are also interested in the most modern teaching methods.
More info on the website: 6 ścieżek tematycznych Europejskiego Miasta Nauki 2024 | Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach (us.edu.pl)
