One of the biggest popular science events in Europe is just around the corner! Do you know how best to prepare for joining us during the Festival? We have some practical tips for you so that you can fully enjoy the festival activities!
Let’s start with some key information: the 9th Silesian Science Festival Katowice will be held on 6–8 December at the International Congress Centre in Katowice. This year’s edition is held under the slogan ‘Dare to experiment!’. The festival opening hours for each of the three days are as follows:
● 6 December (Saturday): 12.00 p.m. (noon)–6.00 p.m.;
6.30 p.m. – Night at the City of Science;
● 7 December (Sunday): 10.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m.;
● 8 December (Monday): 8.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.
Festival free entry pass
● Participation in the Festival is completely free of charge! If you are going to ŚFN alone or with your family, download individual entry pass. If, on the other hand, you are planning to participate with a school or student group, please use the registration form for organised groups.
● Before the event, you will receive practical information, including the Festival programme, at your e-mail address.
● Registration also gives you the opportunity to get a free ride to the 9th ŚFN using Metropolis GZM public transport (applies to people over 16 years of age). The free public transport ticket will only be valid together with the Festival entry pass. You don’t have to print it out the entry pass - just show it on your phone during the inspection.
Night at the City of Science
● On the first day of the Festival (6 December), you will have the opportunity to participate in a unique event – Night at the City of Science! The special show will commence at 6.30 p.m. at the International Congress Centre in Katowice.
● As part of the Night at the City of Science, we will watch ‘EXPERYMENT’, a performance the theme of which refers to the motto of this year’s edition of ŚFN Katowice. ‘EXPERYMENT’, directed by Piotr Jankowski, will address the issue of ethics in psychological research.
● Separate registration is required for the Night at the City of Science!
We are here for you! Check the location of information points
● Lower Lobby (from the side of Plac Sławika i Antalla),
● Upper Lobby (from the side of ul. Olimpijska),
● Conference Room Foyer,
● Multifunctional Hall – Central Information Point,
● Multifunctional Hall – Districts of Knowledge.
Hungry for more than just knowledge? Food Zone and access to water
● You do not need to bring your own food – there will be a catering area at the 9th ŚFN Katowice, including restaurants and warm meal outlets.
● You will also find free water dispensers at the International Congress Centre. Bring your water bottle and help yourself!
Science accessible to all
We firmly believe that science should be accessible to everyone! The Festival space is adapted so that every visitor can fully enjoy the activities on offer.
● Accessibility Point – our team of volunteers will be waiting at the information point to assist you with any special needs, e.g. providing an assistant for blind people or sign language interpreters.
● Accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs – the International Congress Centre building features wide lifts, wide doors and adapted toilets.
● Sign language interpretation – the Main Stage will feature continuous interpretation into Polish Sign Language (live and online).
● Hearing assistance technology – all stages will be equipped with induction loops, i.e. an alternative sound system for people with hearing impairments.
● Relaxation Room for people on the autism spectrum – people on the autism spectrum will be able to use a special quiet room.
● Accessibility for foreigners – in selected locations and at selected English-language events, you can take advantage of simultaneous interpretation.
● Space for changing and feeding babies – in Conference Room No. 5, we have provided a place where you can breastfeed in a private setting and help your baby relax. A baby changing table will be available in the toilet near the Upper Lobby.
Silent disco system at the City of Science Market of Ideas
● As part of the City of Science Market of Ideas, the stages will operate in the silent disco system, i.e. without traditional sound system. We encourage you to bring your own headphones, as the number of headsets available on site will be limited!
How to use the silent disco system?
Option 1: Lend out a headset directly at the Market of Ideas – you can switch between individual stages by changing channels on the device.
Option 2: Connect on your mobile device via the Zoom app – you can play back the sound from the stages via selected channels assigned to particular stages. You can find the link to the platform on our website.
Option 3: Listen to sound from a stage of your choice using induction loops that work with hearing aids and implants.
Use public transport to get to the Festival!
● The closest to the International Congress Centre are:
– tram stop: Katowice Rondo,
– bus stops: Katowice Strefa Kultury and Katowice Strefa Kultury NOSPR,
– interchange stations: Brynów and Zawodzie (free parking), ul. Sądowa (paid parking).
● In addition, public car parks are available around the International Congress Centre. The largest of them is located in Strefa Kultury (Culture Zone) (free only on weekends!).
Stay up to date with the 9th ŚFN Katowice!
● Download the free Silesian Science Festival Katowice app to always have all the key information about the event at your fingertips.
● You can find the app on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
● Subscribe to the Supernova newsletter to stay on top of all the latest news – not only about the Festival, but also about the world of science!
● Follow our website and social media to stay up to date with the latest news about ŚFN Katowice.