Thousands to engage with science in villages, parks, fields, and historical landmarks
In an unprecedented move, Türkiye’s universities will take science out of classrooms and into the streets with the launch of “Science Café”, the country’s first national science communication event coordinated by the Higher Education Council’s Office of Science Communication.
On June 27–28, academics from over 150 universities across 81 provinces will meet the public in village squares, gardens, ferryboats, trains, historic inns, and even prisons to explain science in an engaging and accessible manner.
Professor Erol Özvar, President of the Higher Education Council, described the event as a historic moment for public science outreach: “Our professors will bring science to tea gardens, markets, fields, and bridges. We invite all citizens to be part of this grand meeting between science and society.”
A First-of-Its-Kind in the World
With thousands of citizens attending in person and tens of thousands expected to join via livestream, Science Café is being hailed as a world-first mass-scale academic outreach event. Scientists and the public will interact in informal settings, breaking traditional academic barriers.
Topics: From Hypertension to the Cosmos
The range of topics is as wide as society’s curiosity: artificial intelligence, climate change, green transformation, space exploration, microplastics, first aid on ferries, photography in villages, nutrition literacy, urban resilience, cancer research, and even emotional bonding and love. Sessions will also explore cultural themes such as the tradition of Turkish minstrelsy and architecture through the lens of Mimar Sinan.
Science in Ferries, Castles, Farms and Cafés
Events will take place in unique locations such as Valide Sultan Ferry in Istanbul, Ishak Pasha Palace in Ağrı, Zeugma Museum in Gaziantep, historical Tuz Han in Adıyaman, Harput Castle in Elazığ, tea gardens in Antalya, hazelnut orchards in Ordu, and village coffeehouses and fields across Türkiye.
Special sessions will also be held in retirement homes, parks, and mountain villages, with the aim of engaging citizens of all ages and backgrounds.
Local Delicacies Meet Science
All Science Café events are open to the public and will include free treats and locally produced goods. Attendees will enjoy a variety of regional offerings: traditional cheeses, organic yogurt, pestil (fruit leather), stuffed flatbreads, organic ice cream, and even bread made with bee products.
Building Trust in Science
The Science Café initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and society, make science more understandable and relatable, and highlight the critical role that universities play in addressing local and global challenges. Organizers hope to strengthen public trust in science and showcase the contributions of academia beyond campuses.
