Katowice as European City of Science 2024

Katowice - the heart of Upper Silesia, known for its dynamic development and extremely rich industrial history - has been awarded the title of European City of Science 2024. The awarding of this title is the result of a carefully prepared and submitted candidacy in 2021, which highlighted the city's initiatives in the fields of science, technology and innovation. Naturally, the selection of Katowice is recognition of the intensive efforts made to create an ecosystem that supports scientific research and technological development.

The title of European City of Science is awarded by EuroScience, a non-profit organisation that has been promoting science and innovation in Europe since the 1990s. Katowice joins the prestigious list of cities such as Barcelona and Manchester, becoming the first city from Central and Eastern Europe to be so honoured. This title is not only prestigious, but also opens the door to international cooperation, increases interest in the city as an academic and innovation centre, and contributes to the development of the entire region.

EMNK24 is organised by the Academic Consortium Katowice - City of Science, which comprises:

• City of Katowice,
• University of Silesia in Katowice,
• University of Economics in Katowice,
• Silesian University of Technology,
• Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice,
• Silesian Medical University in Katowice,
• J. Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice,
• K. Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice,
• Silesian voivodship,
• Upper Silesian-Upper Silesian Metropolis.

50 weeks in the City of Science

Over the course of the year-long EMNK24 celebrations, various scientific issues significantly affecting the quality of life of society will be addressed over the next 50 weeks. The aim of the workshops, demonstrations and lectures organised is to encourage the public to engage with science.

The thematic series itself will begin on 2 January with a 'cold week', during which all participants will be able to take part in walrus bathing, workshops with demonstrations of physical experiments (e.g. using liquid nitrogen), debates and lectures on low temperatures, a molecular cuisine show or film screenings. Later, we can expect weeks devoted, for example, to minerals or artificial intelligence.

EuroScience Open Forum - "Life changing science"

An integral part of EMNK24 is also the EuroScience Open Forum, an international conference on the future of science. This year it will focus on:

• energy transition,
• social health,
• digital transformation,
• sustainable environment,
• transformations within scientific excellence,
• cultural identity and social transformation.

The conference will take place on 12-15 June 2024 in Katowice. Of course, we can expect the arrival of many leading representatives from the world of science, business, media and public and non-public institutions.

In conclusion, awarding Katowice the title of European City of Science 2024 is a significant step towards strengthening the city's position on the academic map of Europe. Without doubt, it heralds an intensive year full of scientific events that will allow for the exchange of knowledge and experience, the development of local universities and the interest of the younger generation in science and innovation.

In the meantime, anyone planning to come to Katowice to take part in the EMNK24 celebrations is encouraged to find out more about our hotel.