Introduction
Anna Budzanowska Doctor of Humanities; Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
It is hard to imagine science communication today without annual science festivals, which have been organised for many years. They already have a lasting place in the landscape of many Polish cities and became important events, which gather huge numbers of participants. Their function of knowledge and science communication has proven to be priceless. I am glad that apart from the festivals, with their unique character and achievements to date, the Science Festival Forum has also been set up. Its role is to integrate the whole circle of founders and organisers of this outstanding phenomenon. Until now, total openness and universal availability were the natural attributes of science festivals. These features need to be redefined in the age of COVID-19. We urgently need to discuss and consider how to find ourselves in the new reality and continue to show the beauty of science, its achievements and challenges. It cannot be done without ensuring the safety of all participants and using modern modes of communication. I believe that festival organisers, who have already proven their great innovation and creativity, will find many interesting solutions that will enable them to continue and develop the tradition of science festivals, which is beautiful and so much needed.
Dr. Anna Budzanowska during the 1st Forum of Polish Science Festival Organisers in Katowice (27-28 January 2020)
