Last Sunday, 26 May, this year's Fahrenheit Science Picnic was held on the Gradowa Hill. Workshops, competitions and science shows enthralled participants throughout the day!

Since the morning, crowds of visitors of various age groups filled the Picnic area, eager to enjoy the rich programme prepared by the organisers, and to discover the secrets of science. The picnic opening ceremony took place on the stage at 11 a.m. During the opening, the Gdańsk Academic Orchestra performed, the Fahrenheit Awards were presented and the “Female Scientists” exhibition was solemnly opened. Participants: Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of the Gdańsk University of Technology, Prof. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Gdańsk, Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Vice-Rector for Science at the Medical University of Gdańsk, Prof. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska, Director of the Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk, and Paweł Golak, Director of Hevelianum. The stage programme was hosted by Aleksandra Stanisławska and Piotr Stanisławski, the authors of a blog called Crazy Nauka on scientific topics for the general public.

Throughout the day, fascinating demonstrations went on, such as the “Fire!” science show and presentations on clean water and the impact of plastics on the environment. There was also the ZERO WASTE fashion show, which was of great interest to the audience.

In the science village, in more than 50 university tents, the participants were able to see what students and scientists from Tri-City universities do. Visitors could find out what a chemical garden is, which insects are found in Poland, how to take fingerprints from a crime scene and what liquid nitrogen can be used for. It was also possible to find out how renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, operate and test how renewable energy works in practice – among other items, a solar-powered mini vehicle was available to visitors. There was also a stand with free prophylactic medical examinations, which the picnic guests were very keen to take advantage of.

In the Artillery Carriage House building, a discussion entitled “Science Speaks” continued from 2 p.m. “The equality sign” was an opportunity to deepen knowledge and exchange views on the role of science in society and on nurturing the values of equality and diversity. The discussion aroused keen interest and was a source of inspiration for the participants, who were eager to listen to the arguments presented.

The Eduplay Zone attracted children and adults, offering large-format games, environmental workshops, chemical experiments and the opportunity to see electric cars. The Pythagoras room was also very popular, offering free blood pressure measurements and finger prick blood tests.

For other items the event programme.

All that was possible owing to cooperation between three universities in Gdańsk: the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology and the University of Gdańsk, as well as Hevelianum and many partners to the event.

Organisers: Fahrenheit Universities (Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny, Politechnika Gdańska i Uniwersytet Gdański) and Hevelianum.  

Partners: Akwarium Gdyńskie, Amberexpo, Aramco, Gdańskie Autobusy i Tramwaje, Gdańska Karta Mieszkańca, Gdańskie Wody, Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, Port Czystej Energii, Samorząd Województwa Pomorskiego, Straż Miejska w Gdańsku, Wydział Gospodarki Komunalnej, Volvo Drywa, Zakład Utylizacyjny w Gdańsku