Gandia’s Science and Technology Week once again filled the city with knowledge, curiosity, and a desire to explore the world around us. This event, which is held every November throughout Europe, has a clear objective: to bring science closer to people of all ages, awaken vocations, and encourage citizen participation in the great scientific and technological challenges of the present.  

This year, between November 10 and 15, various institutions joined forces to make this possible: the Gandia Campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the CEIC Alfons El Vell, and the University of Valencia, in collaboration with the Gandia City Council through Urbalab Gandia. Together, they designed a comprehensive program of free activities aimed at both students and the general public, with a special focus on young people.  

An inauguration that traveled from Japan to Valencia to understand natural disasters 

The Inaugural Conference, held on November 10 at the Casa de Cultura in Gandia, was entitled: “Science travels between Japan and Valencia to prevent disasters,” given by Dr. Carmen Grau Vila of the Institute for Sustainable Community and Risk Management (Waseda University, Japan).  

During her presentation, the professor explored how Japan deals with the management of so-called “natural disasters” and what lessons can be applied in the Valencian Community, especially in relation to flooding. A comparative look that helped the audience understand the importance of prevention, planning, and scientific education in risk reduction.  

Exhibitions connecting the past, present, and future of science  

Science Week also included two noteworthy exhibitions:  

“Jeroni Munyós: Mathematics, cosmology, and humanism in the Renaissance”  

Available from November 2 to December 15 at the International Center of the University of Valencia in Gandia, this exhibition pays tribute to Jeroni Munyós, a key figure in the development of modern science. Through documents and historical pieces, visitors were able to discover his mathematical, astronomical, and humanistic contributions.  

“The Impact of Noise on Fish” 

Installed from November 6 to 28 in the lobby of the UPV’s Gandia Campus, this exhibition presented the results of research projects on underwater noise and the behavior of bluefin tuna. An excellent example of how local science contributes to the understanding and protection of marine ecosystems. 

Workshops, meetings, and more than 400 students experiencing science firsthand.  

As every year, the workshops were one of the most eagerly awaited activities. Sessions were organized for different educational levels, both at the UPV Campus and at the UV headquarters in Gandia.  

More than 400 primary and secondary school students participated in experiments, demonstrations, and interactive activities designed to spark scientific curiosity from an early age.  

In addition, two young researchers from the Gandia Campus—Blanca Feliu and Ana González Suárez—gave talks aimed at secondary school students. Their goal: to encourage scientific vocations, especially among girls, by showing them firsthand what the day-to-day life of a researcher is like.  

An initiative with European roots and a growing impact  

Science Week was launched in 2001 as an initiative of the European Commission within the Science and Society program. Its purpose was—and still is—to bring science closer to the public, awaken STEM vocations among young people, and promote scientific culture as a driver of social development.  

In Spain, the project was adopted that same year and has since established itself as one of the largest scientific outreach initiatives in the country. Every November, universities, research centers, museums, and social organizations join forces to open their doors and bring science to the streets. 

Gandia, a meeting point for science  

The activities organized this year demonstrate Gandia’s growing commitment to scientific dissemination. Thanks to cooperation between academic institutions and municipal entities, the city is consolidating its position as a benchmark in bringing knowledge to all audiences.  

Science and Technology Week does more than just disseminate information: it inspires, connects, and awakens curiosity, laying the foundations for a more critical, informed society that is prepared for the challenges of the future.