On Sunday October 8th, the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) opened its doors for the very first edition of the science festival Weekend of Science. This year, the festival was centered around the theme 'How Does It Work?' and revolved around curiosity and discovery. The science festival, open to all ages, provided an accessible glimpse into the world of science and technology. Participants could participate in workshops, conduct experiments, and explore the campus via a scavenger hunt.
With 25 different workshops across six sessions, there was something for everyone. Through the collections of stamps at every workshop, young participants could earn their official Erasmus certificate. This added an extra dose of motivation and excitement among the young researchers. A popular session was the "Erasmus X/AICON AI workshop Portraits of the City,” organized by Rajiv Mahadew, City Engagement Officer of the Academic Outreach Programme. With over 100 participants, who were not only from the Rotterdam area, but even from cities like Hilversum, this workshop was a great success. During the workshop, participants delved into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its role in capturing city portraits. Participants were challenged to create their own artworks using this technology.
The Weekend of Science emphasized the importance of scientific curiosity and the value of making knowledge accessible to youth. The Academic Outreach Programme was happy to contribute to this inspiring science festival and looks forward to future editions to welcome even more people, young and old, into the enchanting world of discovery and learning.