NCU Science Courtyard at the 11th 9 Hills Festival

From 7 to 9 August, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń will present its Science Courtyard at the 11th 9 Hills Festival in Chełmno, inviting visitors to discover science through conversation, creativity and hands-on activities.

Located at 7 Rycerska Street, the NCU Science Courtyard will offer a diverse programme designed to show that science can be engaging, accessible and fun. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet NCU researchers during informal 10-minute Science Talks covering topics such as cognitive science, physics, archaeology, philosophy, Japanese studies and archival science.

The programme will also include interactive workshops inspired by the earliest forms of human communication, a "Relax with Science" zone featuring scientific curiosities, calligraphy and science podcasts, and the "Join the NCU Community" photo spot, where visitors can dress in academic gowns or medical attire and take souvenir photos. An exhibition exploring the role of science and art will encourage discussion, while the "Your Move" meeting bench, prepared by the NCU University Centre for Personal Support and Development, will provide a space for conversations about well-being, healthy habits and addiction prevention.

The Science Talks programme will explore topics ranging from the relationship between the brain, the body and technology, to the mysteries of the universe, archaeology, philosophy, Japanese culture, and the traces people leave behind in archives and collective memory. Science quizzes and games will complete the programme.

Since its launch in 2016, the 9 Hills Festival has transformed Chełmno's historic centre into a vibrant space for culture, education and artistic expression. This year's edition is dedicated to the city's nine unique historical landmarks and is held under the patronage of the Chełmno Academy.