The European Science Fair, organised jointly by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the MTP Group, kicked off with a lecture by Professor Andrzej Dragan entitled "Can machines think?". The event offers participants four days of intensive scientific experiences.
- "It is with great pleasure that we launch today the European Science Fair, an event that is unique not only because of its scale and scope but above all because it proves that science knows no boundaries, said Dr Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. - The future is being created today by the joint efforts of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and citizens. We gather in the heart of Greater Poland, in Poznań, a city with strong academic, technological and civic traditions. It is precisely here, on the premises of the Poznań International Fair, that, over the next few days, science will meet the future and innovation with practice," the Vice-Minister added.
- "As the Rector of the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, I am delighted to emphasise that the European Science Fair has been combined with a session of The Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland. This significantly strengthens the event's rank and shows that the Polish academic community today speaks with a united voice about the future of science in Poland and Europe," said Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, the Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, at the official event launch. Furthermore, she added: "I wish to make specific reference to the symbolic Pavilion No. 11, the so-called Spire, where the CRASP will hold its deliberations. It is an outstanding place both for the Poznań International Fair and for the city as a whole. The Spire, built on the foundations of the former Upper Silesian Tower, perfectly symbolises what our fair has in common: tradition and modernity. Its silhouette, perfectly visible from the Station Bridge, reminds us that Poznań has always been a gateway to the world - a city open to new ideas, dialogue and cooperation. I sincerely hope that future editions of the European Science Fair will be even richer, more international and respond even better to the challenges posed by modern times," stressed Professor Bogumiła Kaniewska.
- "At the dawn of the Poznań International Fair, our predecessors wished to create a platform for discussion, communication and promotion between three communities: the business community, the scientific community and the consumer community. I believe that we have managed to do it very well," recalled Tomasz Kobierski, President of the MTP Group Management Board. - "In recent years, the need to communicate with the scientific community has been particularly highly recognised by me. At trade fairs for all industries, whether it is construction, metalworking, woodworking, ecology or food industry fairs, the industry says: we need inventions, we need new scientific thought, we need partnerships with Polish science because only such partnerships will build a technological advantage for our companies, for our national economy. These inventions, this technological thought will help make us real producers of products, and not just subcontractors of products produced by other countries," added President Tomasz Kobierski.
The guests were also welcomed by the Deputy Governor of the Greater Poland Region, Jarosław Maciejewski, and a member of the Board of the Greater Poland Region, Katarzyna Kretkowska.
The CRASP meeting is hosted by the Poznań University of Life Sciences, headed by the Rector, Professor Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz.
The Science Fair is bringing together several dozen exhibitors who present their offer for business in Pavilion No. 3 of the Poznań International Fair. Exhibitors include institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, technical and humanities universities, deep tech start-ups and representatives of the R&D sector.
An extensive exhibition and conference programme has been prepared for participants, which also includes a map of the fair and a list of exhibitors: https://amu.edu.pl/wiadomosci/aktualnosci/ogolnouniwersyteckie/program-europejskich-targow-nauki.
Adam Mickiewicz University Poznań, as the event's host, has also prepared a dedicated stand promoting the university's offer for, among others, business and high-tech. The fair will be accompanied by an exhibition presenting samples of research and projects carried out by Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań and university-wide centres. It shows the contribution made by AMU scientists to the development of society, culture, technology and the enhancement of human well-being.
The task is financed by a special-purpose grant from the Minister of Science and Higher Education. The European Science Fair accompanies ITM Industry Europe, a major industrial event in Central and Eastern Europe.
Photo: Martyna Płaczek & Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
