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New Hanseatic League with a scientific twist
The Nicolaus Copernicus University has joined in organising the events of the 43rd International Convention of the Cities of the New Hanseatic League, which will run in Toruń from 22 to 25 June. On this occasion, the NCU town full of popular science attractions will be set up at the Cosmopolis Fountain on 24 June.
Events prepared by the NCU popularisers will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. What lies ahead?
The Trail of the Senses
The NCU Faculty of Humanities will offer a field game entitled 'Studies on the Senses'. The name refers to the experimental field of study that the participants of the game will be able to sign up for. With the help of lecturers, they will have the opportunity to develop the perception of all the senses and gain a unique index. The field game consists of four points with tasks located in Collegium Maius, Arthus Court, Dąmbski Palace and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science. The game's finale is scheduled for the NCU's Collegium Maximum. The game is open to both organised groups and individual participants after prior registration. Electronic registration at promocja@umk.pl will start on 19 June from 12:00 p.m. Registration should include the names of participants, contact number and the chosen time. The game takes place in rounds, starting every hour: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. Meeting at the NCU promotional tent next to the Cosmopolis Fountain. At the same place, those who do not sign up electronically will be able to inquire about possible availability of free places. Symbolic prizes will be awarded to all participants in the game.
Science town
The NCU Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics invites visitors to its stand, which will host an exhibition of amateur mobile robot designs made by students of automation and robotics. Visitors will be able to see line-following robots, sumo and minisumo robots, conveyor belts, manipulators, a mechatronic hand, an interactive LED clock, a Martian rover and many other projects.
At the stand of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, meanwhile, it will be possible to learn how to give pre-veterinary first aid to animals for fractures, haemorrhages, bites and more.
In turn, conservators from the NCU Faculty of Fine Arts will share the secrets of paper restoration during the workshop "Repair Copernicus' work with us". The famous work by Nicolaus Copernicus "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres" will provide inspiration.
Archaeologists from the NCU Faculty of Historical Sciences will present 'Ludus latrunculorum', 'Hnefatafl' and other ancient board games. Participants will be able to face an experienced opponent or, under the guidance of a coach, duel with another beginner player.
The new Hanseatic League
Three centuries after the Hanseatic League ceased to exist, it was decided to reactivate it, only in an updated form. In 1989, the first meeting of the New Hanseatic League took place in Zwolle, the Netherlands. It was attended by representatives of fifty centres. As with its great predecessor, the New Hanseatic League chose Lübeck as its headquarters. It is the largest voluntary association in the world and is made up of representatives of almost two hundred cities from sixteen countries. The New Hanseatic League comprises Belgians, Belarusians, Estonians, Finns, French, Dutch, Icelanders, Lithuanians, Latvians, Germans, Norwegians, Russians, Swedes, Scots, British and, of course, Poles. Poland is represented by twenty-three cities: Białogard, Braniewo, Chełmno, Darłowo, Elbląg, Frombork, Gdańsk, Goleniów, Kołobrzeg, Koszalin, Kraków, Kwidzyn, Lębork, Malbork, Olsztyn, Sławno, Słubice, Słupsk, Stargard Szczeciński, Strzelce Opolskie, Szczecin, Toruń and Wrocław.
The most important body of the New Hanseatic League is the Congress of Towns. In the deliberations held by the congress, each town has one vote and resolutions are adopted by a majority of the representatives present. The main aim of the modern Hanseatic League is to build on the achievements of the former League. It is about the idea of a cross-border community, caring for the development of cities, building an identity and promoting values that were close not only to merchants from centuries ago, but are also dear to contemporary Europeans. The New Hanseatic League also focuses on what was the foundation of its predecessor - commercial and economic development. The League also promotes scientific and information transfer. It is involved in the exchange of traditions, and manifests a wide range of activities in the field of image building and recognition of the Hanseatic League as a phenomenon, but also as a brand that adds value to modern cities. The Hanseatic League also involves young people, creating a field of action for them within the framework of structures called Youth Hansa.
More information on the 43rd Convention of the New Hanseatic Cities is available at: www.hansadays.torun.pl.
