Science moves to Seferihisar: Hypatia Festival will bring the world's leading names together in İzmir

The countdown has begun for the International Hypatia Science and Communication Festival, which aims to bring scientific thought to every segment of society. The festival, which was held for the first time last year in the Seferihisar district of İzmir, will bring science enthusiasts together for the second time between July 1-5, 2026.

The festival, for which the registration process is ongoing, will bring together scientists, academics, artists, science communicators, and participants of all ages from different countries around the world in the historical atmosphere of Ionia.

A SCIENCE GATHERING IN THE HEART OF IONIA

Seferihisar, located in the center of Ionia, which is considered one of the geographies where philosophy and rational thought were born, will host scientific events for five days.

The festival's organizing team states that their main goal is to take science communication out of the boundaries of the digital world and the content flow determined by algorithms, and move it to a social ground where people interact face-to-face, learn together, and experience things.

AN ACADEMIC STAFF REACHING FROM CAMBRIDGE TO OXFORD

The festival's Academic Advisory Board and invited speakers include internationally recognized scientists.

Participants include expert names from the world's leading institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the Qutech Laboratory in the Netherlands.

Panels, presentations, and workshops will be held as part of the five-day program.

A WIDE PROGRAM FROM QUANTUM TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The festival program will cover numerous topics such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence, space sciences, evolution, media literacy, the misinformation crisis, public health, educational sciences, philosophy, mathematics, geology, and the climate crisis.

In addition to scientific developments, participants will have the opportunity to hear scientific approaches to social problems from expert names.

During the festival, choir and vocal workshops, film screenings, stand-up events, and sky observations with telescopes will also be held.

OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A "PRODUCTIVE VACATION"

Located on the seaside, the festival area will also offer participants a vacation experience intertwined with science.

While there are different accommodation options available within the scope of the festival, including hostels and tents, the organizing committee states that in this respect, the event provides an opportunity for a "productive vacation."

The festival will be open to science enthusiasts of all age groups, especially children and young people.

Within the scope of the program, 14 main events, more than 30 workshops, various games, and competitions will be organized.

In addition, at least 12 special events and workshops to be held under the guidance of experts for children will also be included in the program.

WATER ROCKET COMPETITION TO BE HELD

One of the notable events for children will be the "water rocket competition."

In the event, children will design and prepare their own rocket models and will be able to launch and fly these rockets with the help of a hydraulic system.

The festival committee states that the experiences gained from the first organization have been reflected in this year's program and the content capacity has been increased.

"CHILDREN ARE AT THE CENTER OF THIS FESTIVAL"

Nurcan Seven, founder of Hypatia Science and a science communicator, said that children are at the focal point of the festival.

Stating that curiosity about science emerges more strongly during childhood, Seven made the following assessment:

"While designing the workshops, we focused on ensuring that children are not just listeners, but individuals who experiment, discover, and ask questions. We tried to make science fun, accessible, and practical."

Seven expressed that for this reason, they attach importance to practical content, gamification, the intersection points of art and science, and designs suitable for different age groups.

The festival takes its name from Hypatia, who is considered one of the first female mathematicians and astronomers in history.

Within the scope of the program, topics such as the representation of women in social life from ancient times to the present, gender equality in the fields of science and technology, and women's health will also be discussed.

Nurcan Seven used the following expressions on this subject:

"We are trying to embed gender equality into the culture of the festival, from the selection of speakers to the organizational structure, and from volunteer teams to decision-making processes."

"Making the diversity of scientists, researchers, and experts visible; ensuring that children and young people can recognize different female scientists as role models is important to us. We call on more young women and female scientists to embrace our festival so that equality is not just a value that is talked about, but also a culture."

A "SCIENCE STREET" WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN THE FESTIVAL AREA

This year, a "Science Street" that will be created with the contributions of all participants will also be included within the scope of the festival.

Communities operating in the fields of science, technology, astronomy, artificial intelligence, natural sciences, communication, literature, philosophy, and social sciences will be able to promote their projects here, organize mini-workshops, and bring together young people from different universities with expert names.

The festival committee, while inviting youth communities and associations to open stands in particular, also announced that those who want to make a poster presentation can apply via the Hypatia Science website.

STRONG SUPPORT FROM SCIENCE CENTERS

Numerous institutions are supporting the festival, which is organized under the leadership of the Hypatia Science Media and Communication Association.

Science communication platforms, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, science centers, local governments, publishing houses, and media organizations are among the stakeholders of the organization.

Among the supporting institutions are the Bornova Mevlana Society and Science Center and the Denizli Science Center.

In addition, stronger participation in the festival is expected this year from science centers, universities, and various high schools from different cities.

"THIS IS NOT JUST A FEW-DAY EVENT"

Festival preparations spread to different cities of Turkey months in advance.

It was stated that with the meetings held in Ankara, Istanbul, İzmir, Manisa, Denizli, Balıkesir, and Diyarbakır, the organization was designed as a process that grows starting from the local level.

Nurcan Seven stated that the festival should not be considered as just a few-day event and explained their goals with these words:

"We want to contribute to more people establishing a bond with science and especially to young people being inspired by science and relating to it democratically."

"We also aim to create a science festival culture that carries Turkey's science communication experience to the international arena and becomes traditionalized by institutionalizing over the years."

News Source: 12punto