The Global Science Festival Kerala (GSFK) will captivate minds and pique interest with a month-long extravaganza from January 15 to February 15, 2024. This event, organized by the Kerala State Council for scientific, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) and Amuseum ArtScience, promises to be Asia’s largest thematically curated scientific exhibition, with a unique blend of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).
A Fusion of Art and Science
Unlike traditional science education, the GSFK seeks to transform how we view and interact with science. By instilling interest and adopting unorthodox methods such as “ART meets SCIENCE,” the festival hopes to foster a democratic conversation that extends beyond traditional modes of science communication. The purpose is to leave visitors with powerful and lasting impressions of science philosophy and value.
Venue and Key Highlights
This science extravaganza will take place in the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. The festival, which requires a ticket, promises a variety of themed science exhibitions, presentations, public lectures, and contacts with famous persons such as NASA scientists and renowned artists.
On January 15, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will open the festival, highlighting the need of cultivating a culture of scientific appreciation. The intended audience includes art and science aficionados, as well as scientists and students.
Diverse Programs and Activities
The GSFK offers a wide range of programs for people of all ages. The event is aimed to engage and inspire children, with activities ranging from an all-Kerala Science Quiz to a Science for Kids Gallery. Morten P. Meldal, a Danish chemist and Nobel laureate, will give a public presentation for adults on February 7.
Noteworthy Attendees and Collaborations
American astrophysicist Madhulika Guhathakurta, creative design instructor Robert Potts, MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, structural engineer Roma Agarwal, and Magsaysay Award-winning conservationist Rajendra Singh have all attended the festival. Collaborations with organizations such as the US and German consulates, the British Council, and the International Space Station provide substantial complexity to the event.
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Funding and Expectations
The state government has budgeted a sizable 4 crore for the event, demonstrating its dedication to increasing scientific knowledge. The organizers anticipate 35,000-40,000 attendees per day, reflecting the festival’s projected impact.
Unique Exhibits
The GSFK features a variety of one-of-a-kind exhibits, such as the Viswesaraya Industrial and Technological Museum’s Seeds of Culture Exhibition, the German Federal Foreign Office’s Energy in Transition, and artist Drew Berry’s Molecular Animation. A recreation of the HMS Beagle, the International Space Station experience, and stunning moon and Mars installations by Luke Jerram are among the highlights.
Ticketing Information
Those interested in attending this scientific festival can purchase tickets ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 11,500. Online booking is accessible on the festival’s official website (www.gsfk.org), allowing attendees easy access.
Finally, the Global Science Festival Kerala 2024 stands out as a beacon of scientific enlightenment, transcending traditional borders and forging a unique synergy between art and science. As the festival progresses, it aims to leave an indelible impression on its guests, fostering a renewed appreciation for science’s wonders.