Great success for CyI’s 2021 Virtual sCYence Fair

Following the postponement of the 2020 sCYence Fair due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Cyprus Institute organised on April 19 and 20, 2021, the innovative 2021 Virtual sCYence Fair. The event was under the auspices of the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, the Chief Scientist for Research & Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Mayor of Aglantzia.

The event was virtual and took place without any physical attendance, and was open to all school science groups, ages 9-18, from both the private and public sectors. The pioneering 2021 Virtual sCYence Fair exceeded all expectations with a total of 99 participating (53 teams of primary schools, 22 teams of gymnasiums and 24 teams of lyceums).

The president of The Cyprus Institute George Christophides, in his opening remarks stated the aim of the sCYence Fair is the participation of society and especially young people in scientific activities, as well as the practical support of the next generation of scientists.

In his welcoming address, education minister Prodromos Prodromou praised the initiative of The Cyprus Institute, emphasising that the organisation of the science festival enriches the experiences and knowledge of students, promoting innovation and creation that are the necessary supplies for tomorrow’s citizens.

In his address, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Kyriacos Kokkinos congratulated The Cyprus Institute and mentioned that the 2021 Virtual sCYence Fair offers a special opportunity for young people to expand their horizons, discovering the magical world of innovation, technology and science.

During the fair, students had the chance to online present and demonstrate their experiments and scientific research projects to the public and the evaluation committee. Students could enter the contest for the best presentation and participate in online scientific related quizzes of the Physics Decathlon. Participants and the public also had the opportunity to explore scientific and technological advancements in an entertaining, innovative and interactive manner, and additionally to enter draws and win amazing prizes.

The fair aims to stimulate scientific interest and to encourage participation by young students and support the next generation of scientists from Cyprus. The event provides an opportunity of our young scientists to increase their awareness of the wonders of science, add to their knowledge, and broaden their scientific horizons. Last but not least, “sCYence Fair” will show to people from all ages and backgrounds that science is not only about knowledge but can also be recreational and fun.