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The science shaping our planet, our cells, and even our bathroom counters is about to become a public playground. As Science in the City celebrates its 15th year of bridging arts and research, its pre-festival programme kicks off on 31st August till the 23rd September with events exploring everything from genetics to environmental conservation.

This year’s pre-festival events will be held mostly around the capital, Valletta, beginning with Sharklab Malta’s “Shark Conservation in Malta” (Ages 5+, Valletta Design Cluster, 7pm, 31st August). This workshop chats about shark conservation around Malta, with attendees able to check out exciting shark jaw and other specimens. Most importantly, they’ll see how they can help save them—without sharks Malta’s fisheries would collapse.

For people curious about the molecular building blocks that make us, the event “Exploring the X Chromosome: DNA and Forensic Genetics” (Ages 10+, Valletta Design Cluster, 7pm, 10th September), by a team from the University of Malta, is just for them. Attendees will witness a live DNA extraction demonstration, followed by learning about modern DNA profiling techniques used in forensic genetics.

Another event by Prohealth “Beyond Eczema: Empowering Better Living” (All ages, Valletta Design Cluster, 10 am, 13th September), will guide participants through healthy skincare routines and offer the chance to try a range of products. Informative, practical, and suitable for all ages.

The next event is for all star lovers, “Turn Off the Lights, Turn On the Sky” (Adults, Valletta Design Cluster, 5 pm, 14th September) will make people rethink the way we light our nights and discover how small changes in your everyday life can help protect animals, birds and plants in Malta and Gozo, while bringing back our stars. Prof. Joseph Caruana (University of Malta), BirdLife Malta, and artist Pep Walls together will run this interactive workshop.

The next event, ‘From Photosynthesis to Power Grids: Harnessing the Energy of Plants’ (adults, Argotti Gardens, September 23, 10am and 6pm), is organised by the Malta Festival of Ideas in collaboration with Argotti Botanic Gardens and Resources Centre, will showcase the innovative technology developed by international researchers working at Plant-e: generating electricity with living plants.

Science is for everyone, and this September, Science in the City is putting that promise into practice. By renewing its partnership with APS Bank, Science in the City is creating a space to deliver an inclusive festival experience. From September 1st to 15th, the APS Hub in St. Julian’s will transform into “Sensory Hub: Your Space, Your Pace,” a quiet environment, professionally guided by specialists from WonderKids, Panassea Therapy clinic and TAASC, including sensory yoga, storytelling, movement workshops, and playful hands-on science sessions designed for participants with neurodivergence and sensory sensitivities, as well as their families

“Our goal is simple: to make science and the arts accessible to every single person in Malta,” explains Festival Manager Karen Fiorini. “These dedicated sessions mean that kids and adults with these unique needs don’t just attend the festival- they get to actively participate and thrive in it.
This year’s pre-festival line up shows how science and arts can come together to question everyday assumptions, tackle pressing societal challenges, and inspire a more sustainable future ahead.

Don’t miss out and reserve your free tickets. Visit the Science in the City social media platforms, our website scienceinthecity.org.mt for more information then book your place through Eventbrite https://bit.ly/4gtms1P