Epicentre All

Epicentre

This studio is the epicentre of Leiden European City of Science 2022. For the first time, a European city will host a 365-day science festival, brimming with science, knowledge, arts and craftmanship. The programme is designed for anyone with a curious mind. With the help of many scientists, citizens and representatives of social and cultural organisations, every day has been given its own topic. All days have a QR code that will show you the events that are taking place. A tear-off calendar was made of all of them together. The co-creation of 365 easily accessible, curiosity-provoking subjects is the basis for Leiden European City of Science 2022, connecting science and society. The aim of this approach is to introduce science to people who would normally not come into contact with it, and to do so in an accessible way. The organisers believe that although many people have an intrinsic interest in science, for many it is never encouraged. By including art in the programme, they want to further stimulate this curiosity in a playful, unexpected way. The wide range of themes and activities means that there is something of interest for everyone. The events range from scientific conferences to entertaining festivals. Also, the target audience of the events varies from very local to global. The events with an international target audience take place during European hotzones, representing the European dimension. This is the tenth time that a city has held the title of European City of Science and has organised the accompanying EuroScience Open Forum, but it is the first time that a full year of activities has been linked to it. Leiden has set the bar high for its successors. Text: Wouter Schreuder