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Outreach program developed with the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and other research facilities coordinating Planes Complementarios programs
ALBA Synchrotron
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The ALBA Synchrotron has successfully concluded its participation in the 'Radical Science' programme, a multidisciplinary initiative developed by the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and other research institutions that combined science, art, and humanities to explore the transformative potential of frontier research. The programme is part of the InCAEM project, funded by the Advanced Materials programme of Planes Complementarios.
Launched in January 2025, 'Radical Science' was co-organised by the CCCB together with leading Catalan research institutions: the ALBA Synchrotron, the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE). The programme featured a series of public debates, artistic performances, aimed at fostering dialogue between science and society. The events attracted large audiences and generated significant public interest, reflecting the programme's strong societal relevance and success in encouraging meaningful engagement.
The opening session, held on 20 January at the CCCB, featured a roundtable discussion with the directors of the organising research centres, including ALBA's Director, Caterina Biscari. The session highlighted the essential role that frontier science plays in societal progress.
Throughout the programme, ALBA and its research partners in the InCAEM project - the Catalan Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB) and the Scientific Information Port (PIC-IFAE)-, contributed to the debate 'Reimagining Energy'. Held on 21 February and led by Beatriz Roldán and Mar Reguant, the session examined the technological and economic dimensions of the energy transition, offering insights into how global economic decarbonisation can be accelerated.
Additionally, on 20 February, visual artist Maotik and scientist Lucía Aballe explored the interconnections between science and the arts in a thought-provoking dialogue.
The programme concluded on 18 June with a multidisciplinary closing session, featuring a lecture by Harvard professor Naomi Oreskes on the value of scientific knowledge in the 21st century. The event also included the premiere of an audio-visual piece developed by Hamill Industries and Maria Arnal, and the launch of the 'Magmas' poetry collection. Poet Lluís Calvo collaborated with ALBA, ICN2 and ICMAB to create a unique collection of poems inspired by scientific concepts.
The 'Radical Science' programme underscores ALBA's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and engaging the public in discussions about the societal implications of scientific advancements.