Bridges of Science: Research as a tool for cultural union

24 January, 2025

‘Puentes de Ciencia’ is an inclusive scientific dissemination programme that seeks to bring the research carried out at the CSIC centres in Granada and the DaSCI Institute of the University of Granada closer to groups at risk of social exclusion. Born as a pilot programme in 2024 under the slogan ‘Scientific culture without borders’, this project has demonstrated the power of science as a universal language to connect cultures and promote integration.

In its first edition, promoted by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), young people from three NGOs in Granada participated in outreach activities with IAA researchers from different cultures, languages and backgrounds. The sessions included mini-talks, scientific speed dating, astronomical observations and laboratory visits. More than a dozen nationalities were represented in the participating groups, who shared experiences in a multilingual environment, mainly in Spanish and English.

Given the success of the pilot programme, Puentes de Ciencia will be expanded during 2025 to include the participation of five other CSIC centres in Granada and the Andalusian Institute for Data Science and Computational Intelligence Research (DaSCI). This joint effort seeks to consolidate science as a vehicle for integration and empowerment for young Grenadians and foreigners in vulnerable contexts.

An inclusive and close model

The programme has as its fundamental principles:

  • Participatory and accessible activities: Priority is given to interactive formats such as workshops, guided tours or rotating tables, avoiding traditional exhibition sessions.
  • Cultural diversity in the scientific team: Researchers from different backgrounds share not only their scientific knowledge, but also their personal and human experiences, creating a closer bond with the participants.
  • Linguistic and cultural adaptation: Although the main language is Spanish, flexibility is offered to meet the specific needs of the participating groups, such as activities in other languages. In this sense, DaSCI will make use of AI technologies for simultaneous translation in real time, while explaining how these systems work and the advances made in recent years with regard to interactivity.

Project objectives

Science Bridges is looking for:

  1. To foster interest in science as a transformative tool accessible to all people, regardless of their social or cultural context.
  2. Promote the social integration of young people at risk of exclusion, favouring intercultural understanding and respect for diversity.
  3. To make the global nature of science visible, highlighting its capacity to unite people from different backgrounds in the common pursuit of knowledge.

In collaboration with local NGOs, this programme will bring young people together with scientists to explore scientific research from a human and close perspective. In addition, participants will be able to visit reference laboratories and facilities in Granada, promoting their connection with the local scientific fabric.

The first visit to the DaSCI institute will take place on February the 4th with the NGO Provivienda. A heterogeneous group of 20 people of various nationalities.

The following visits will take place in:

For more information, visit our social networks and find out how we continue to build bridges through science.

‘This activity is part of the project ‘Ethical, Responsible and General Purpose Artificial Intelligence: Applications in Risk Scenarios (IAFER) Exp.: TSI-100927-2023-1 funded through the creation of university-industry chairs (Enia Chairs), aimed at the research and development of artificial intelligence, for its dissemination and training in the framework of the European Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU’.