Press Dossier Autumn 2007

PRESS DOSSIER AUTUMN 2007

Some 244 activities will take place in the last quarter of 2007, forming part of 78 programmes and series of activities that make up the overall event that is Barcelona Science 2007.

Barcelona will become a leading centre of scientific debate with the organization of 4 international meetings: the Scientific Congress of the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO), the European Network of Cities for Science (ESCITY), the Waterbird Society 31st Annual Meeting and the European Conference on Scientific Journalism. Reflection also has a space in these series, with The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science, at the Natural Science Museum, and Conversations in Barcelona, in the Palau de la Virreina.

As part of the celebrations held on the occasion of Barcelona Science 2007, a tribute will be paid to Pius Font i Quer, founder of the Barcelona Botanical Institute.

Raúl Motta, philosopher and disciple of Edgar Morin; Faraneh Vargha- Khadem, doctor; Samir Zeki, neurobiologist, and Roger Malina, astrophysicist and publisher will participate in the second part of the series of meetings Conversations in Barcelona. The Future(s) of Science.

Barcelona research centres will hold open days in the framework of Science Week, which will take place from 9 to 18 November.

The Science Ticket, arising out of Barcelona Science 2007, has become firmly established and will continue for the coming years. The Science Ticket provides admission to 7 science centres for an overall price of €18.50.

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TRIBUTE TO PIUS FONT I QUER

The Barcelona Botanical Institute will remember the figure of its founder and first Director, Pius Font i Quer, with the unveiling of a plaque in his honour on Saturday 20 October at the Institute building in Passeig del Migdia, in Montjuïc. The framework of the Barcelona Science 2007 programme thus provides the occasion to restores the memory of one of the leading figures in Catalan botany, recognised the world over.

At only 20 years of age, Pius Font i Quer graduated in Chemical Sciences. After a year at the Catalan Institute of Natural History, his interest in botany led him to take up Pharmacy, the only university course that offered studies in botany. He completed four years' work in two and by 1910 had published his first two articles: 'Notes on the Flora of the Bages' and 'A (Biological) Excursion to Castellfollit del Boix '. These were his first works; throughout a life dedicated to botany he would go on to publish some 270 more. He obtained his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Madrid in 1911 and, while preparing his thesis, the Phototypographical Study of the Bages, sat the official examinations to become a pharmacist in the Military Health Corp. Following postings in Mahon, Burgos, Jaca, Madrid and Morocco, in 1915 he was assigned to the Military Pharmacy of Barcelona, in a period in which the Natural Sciences Council decided to appoint a group of technical collaborators. Only a year later, Font i Quer joined the group as a naturalist attached to the work of the Council and fully identified with the action programme led by the biologist Josep Maluquer i Nicolau: his main goal was to create an inventory of the flora of the Iberian Peninsula, and especially that of Catalonia, and to lay the foundations of a botanical research centre comparable with the most prestigious institutions of the day. The efforts of 20 years' work were seen to be culminated in the transformation of the Natural Science Museum's botany department into an independent Barcelona Botanical Institute, of which Dr. Font i Quer was Director. Created in 1934, it was a research centre that enjoyed worldwide recognition. From 1917 to 1937 Dr. Font i Quer carried out intensive study campaigns throughout the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Once the Universal Exposition of 1929 had ended, work began on construction of the Barcelona Botanical Gardens, taking advantage of the Foixarda stone quarries in Montjuïc. The Barcelona Botanical Institute was subsequently transferred to a building adjacent to the Gardens in 1940.

Pius Font i Quer represents one of Catalonia's most outstanding botanists, he was Director of the country's most significant natural science institutions and formed part of both Catalan academic and social life. In July 1939 he was considered guilty of supporting the rebellion by signing a manifesto against the bombing of Barcelona; he was arrested and condemned to 8 years in prison, though he only served two. Once released he took part in the (clandestine) recovery of the Institute of Catalan Studies, alongside Ramon Aramon, Miquel Coll i Alentorn, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Agustí Duran i Sanpere, Josep M. de Sagarra and Joaquim Folch i Torres, among others.

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Once the hardest years of the post war had passed, an agreement was established in 1946 between Barcelona City Council, to which the Botanical Institute had been transferred, and the Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). The CSIC was empowered to subsidise the Institute and assign it staff in order to compile a Flora Hispanica. This was the opportunity to reincorporate Pius Font i Quer to the Botanical Institute of whose leadership he had once been dispossessed. He was first designated as a 'Naturalist of the Botanical Institute' responsible for the Flora Hispanica, and the following year, 'Head of the Flora Hispanica Section'. The money that arrived to the Botanical Institute was scant in those days, though it did run to publication of the magazine Collectania Botanica, still published to this day, in addition to offering the possibility of the occasional scientific excursion. Font i Quer worked privately on an exsiccation entitled Herbario Normal, but he faithfully maintained one custom: every Saturday morning he walked to the Institute to work on his projects and talk to his students, advising and guiding them in their research. Difficulties in maintaining a regular research-work job turned him in the direction of vulgarisation on the one hand, and lexicography on the other. He did not consider these fields to be minor or secondary, Dr. Font i Quer was fully convinced that a certain anarchy reigned in botanical language that had to be corrected; even before the civil war he had worked with Pompeu Fabra on the presentation of the selection of botanical terms that had to appear in his dictionary of the Catalan language. But there are still more moments in his life that should be highlighted: in 1952 he was named a member of the Société Botanique de Genève and the following year, that of the appearance of his Botanical Dictionary, he was designated Vice-president of the science section of the Institute of Catalan Studies, a body whose presidency he would assume in 1958. Rigorous and untiring, Pius Font i Quer wrote 270 works on botany which may be grouped into different subjects: flowers, phytogeography, mycology, linguistics, chronicles of his explorations, writings related to the institutions in which he worked, extensive works of general botany and translations. He discovered 200 new plants for science and even the most complicated moments of his biography leave an inheritance of activities linked to botany: in the Modelo prison he invented an educational game for children and adults, which he baptised with the name of Botanicon.

Pius Font i Quer was born in Lleida in 1888 and died in Barcelona in 1964.

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BARCELONA SCIENCE 2007: OCTOBER

• CONGRESSES, SEMINARS, MEETINGS

This month of October, Barcelona will host different congresses, conferences and seminars that will become platforms of reflection around the subject of science or showcases of the technological advances in research.

The Natural Science Museum is organizing a series of dialogues under the title The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. The event comprises eight workshops featuring the participation of eight pairs of speakers and eight moderators, as well as the screening of a film in each session to complement the discussion and invite reflection, in a series structured over the four key points of the Origins. UniverseEarthLifeHumanity exhibition, which may be visited in the same museum until 3 January. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science sets out to offer a response to the question "Where do we come from?" with arguments that were initially based in the mythical discourse but which subsequently provided an answer thanks to observation and experimentation. The series confronts the opinions of scientists, researchers and thinkers, in eight debates which will address such topics as the Big Bang, geocentrism, dark energy, the beginning of life, origins explained for the religious point of view and that of ethnocentrism. The speakers have been divided into pairs formed by Juan Garcia Bellido, researcher at the CSIC and Jordi Nadal, prehistorian at the UB; Raimon Reginaldo, astronomer with the Astronòmica Agrupació of Sabadell and Santiago Riera, science historian at the UB; Mercè Piqueras, biologist, and Francesc Torralba, theologian, and Daniel Turbón, paleoanthropologist and Sebastià Serrano, linguist. The discussions will take place on the 9, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30 October and 6 and 8 November, at the Natural Science Museum, from 6.30 p.m. Admission is free and places are limited. Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or the website [email protected]. The people who participate in these sessions may visit the Origins. UniverseEarthLifeHumanity exhibition free of charge on the same day as the discussion, from 5.30 p.m. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

Another of the notable meetings programmed for this month is the Scientific Congress of the European Association of Osseointegration in the Barcelona International Convention Centre, which will be held from 25 to 27 October. With an estimated participation of some 4,500 attendees and under the title Contemporary Oral Implant Practice, the Congress is intended as a meeting point for oral-dental health professionals and an opportunity for them to share experiences relating to research in Osseointegration, at the same time as a providing a vehicle to disseminate among the wider public the advances in this scientific practice. Barcelona International Convention Centre. Rambla Prim, 1

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Also on 25 and 26 October in Barcelona, the Palau de la Virreina will be the setting for the formal constitution of the European Network of Cities for Science (ESCITY), established to focus debate about the role of local and regional administrations in the public promotion of science and about relationships in the university-city-administration triangle. But this international meeting is also a platform of visibility for the city of Barcelona as a productive nucleus of scientific knowledge. ESCITY is a project financed by the European Commission's General Directorate for Research to create of a network of cities that are active in the promotion of scientific culture, with the capability of acting as a cultural lobby in Europe. It also facilitates the exchange of information and best practices in the field of promotion of scientific culture. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99.

As from 30 October and until 3 November, the University of Barcelona will host the Waterbird Society 31st Annual Meeting. The congress is organized by the world's leading society in the scientific study and conservation of water birds, the Waterbird Society (http://www.waterbirds.org/), publisher of the prestigious journal Waterbirds. It is anticipated that more than 150 oral and 120 poster presentations will be made during the in the meeting by some of the most internationally recognised scientists in the field of ornithology. The Waterbird Society is a highly dynamic institution which takes special care in maintaining communication between well-established authors and newcomers to the field, as one of its principal interests is the constant incorporation of fresh values as well as the motivation of scientific and conservation work with regard to water birds and their ecosystems. In this sense, the congress offers a unique opportunity to ornithology and the conservation sciences in Catalonia, placing within the reach of academics and professionals involved in the conservation and management of birds and water ecosystems the latest studies carried out in the world on these subjects, together with the possibility to discuss related concepts, methods and results with their authors. University of Barcelona. Gran Via, 585.

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• SCIENCE OUTSIDE THE SCIENCE CENTRES

The Barcelona Library Consortium participates actively in the Barcelona Science 2007 programme, with a range of activities that travel around the city's public libraries:

What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean?: A small-scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?), by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young.

24 hours at an African watering-hole. An African watering-hole is a surprising place, a busy spot where animals meet several time a day. Discover the creatures that live there (elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and so on) and what they do to find food. This activity is intended for children from 7 to 9 years old.

The Stunning Science of Everything. An activity structured in three sessions to explore the contents of a book, The Stunning Science of Everything by Nick Arnold. The sessions are practical as they involve participative activities and workshops centred around the contents of the book.

Robot Construction Workshop. This activity will be carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age.

Visions of Science. A series of travelling conferences visiting libraries all over Barcelona which are held every Monday at 7 p.m. In this final quarter of 2007, the series will address in depth subjects related with sex.

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BARCELONA SCIENCE 2007: NOVEMBER

• CONVERSATIONS IN BARCELONA: THE FUTURE(S) OF SCIENCE

The aim of the Conversations in Barcelona: The future(s) of science series is to cross the frontier of scientific thinking and research with the spirit of a prospector, concentrating attention on the three theme areas into which the general programme is structured, namely the world, the human being and technology. The idea is to awaken curiosity and transmit emotion around the subject of science, as well as to build bridges between specialised knowledge and questions about the present and future being asked by concerned citizens. Overall, the conversations share a coherence of reasoning: each participant explains his or her own research from an evolutionary perspective; he or she remembers and answers the recurring questions often made by friends, relatives and students and explains to which lines of research in his or her field he or she would devote public research resources, bearing in mind that the decision will shape the future of the society in which we live. Following the success of the first part of the series which took place in spring, this autumn Conversations in Barcelona will feature the presence of more outstanding scientists: Raúl Motta, a philosopher and disciple of Edgar Morin; Faraneh Vargha-Khadem, a doctor; Samir Zeki, a neurobiologist; and Roger Malina, an astrophysicist and publisher. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99

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• SCIENCE WEEK

Science Week will be held from 9 to 18 November, dates which encompass the commemoration of World Science Day on 10 November. Science Week is an initiative that sets out to share scientific dissemination experiences in order to bring research closer to the wider public. It includes numerous events all over Catalonia: courses, conferences, exhibitions, workshops and so on. A series of activities organized by more than a hundred entities in the Catalan System of Research and Innovation working together to produce innovative scientific dissemination. Science Week pays particular attention to the very young, with a view to stimulating and strengthening their scientific vocation. In this sense, Science Week 2007 will play host to the fourth edition of the Science Day at School, an initiative that, in addition to bringing together the scientific world of the universities and their future students, this year presents a competition for science websites. A number of the city's research centres will hold open days in the framework of Science Week:

CESCA. Supercomputing Centre of Catalonia. During the open days, from 12 to 16 November, the Centre will offer guided tours of the high-performance communications and calculations technology installations and a review of the history of supercomputers. The event also seeks to demonstrate the research work carried out by the Centre, such as a number of investigation projects involving supercomputing, and others connected with pharmaceutical design and digital information archive services with open access (such as TDX, RECERCAT, RACO and PADICAT). The communications area will feature a demonstration of the Anella Científica (Scientific Ring) and its additional services, as well as the Punt Neutre d’Internet a Catalunya (CATNIX). Please call 93 205 64 64 to arrange a date for your tour. CESCA. Gran Capità 2-4, 3a planta (Edifici Nexus)

CMIMA. Institute of Marine Sciences. Mediterranean Marine and Environmental Research Centre. This year, the Mediterranean Centre is organizing open days during Science Week on 13 and 14 November which offer tours of the biological collections, laboratories and installations. There is also the possibility of visiting the interior of the oceanographic research vessel García del Cid. Information on the website www.icm.csic.es/icmdivulga CMIMA. Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49.

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Barcelona Science Park: Come and do an express doctorate!. Open days in the Barcelona Science Park which include the presentation of the Park, a research project of doctoral theses under the guidance of a doctorate student and a visit to the installations. This visit is carried out by means of a clue game in which visitors are invited to "do a doctorate". Thus students can see first-hand the different laboratories and services where the doctorate student has worked during his or her project. On 13, 15, 20 and 22 November, sessions at 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. PCB. Josep Samitier, 1-5.

Natural Science Museum. The Museum joins in the Science Week activities with a variety of workshops: You, me the monkeys... our family, Saturday 10 November at 5.30 p.m.; How to be a fish and not sink, on 10 and 11 November, from 4.30 p.m., and the show Mendel, Peas and Genes, which will be performed several times on Sunday 11 November, from 12 midday. There are also events programmed for the weekend of 17 and 18 November: Saturday, from 7 p.m. will see the workshop The moon that accompanies us, and on Sunday, from 11 a.m., One parrot, two parrots... ten thousand parrots? Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

Barcelona Botanical Gardens. On the occasion of Science Week, the Botanical Gardens will hold an open day on 11 November which will enable visitors to see the splendid colour of the autumn garden. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

3rd Exhibition of Science Books. Organized by the Scientific Culture Commissioner of the Institute of Culture, the Exhibition of Science Books is an annual date with books of scientific dissemination which is installed in the vestibule of CosmoCaixa and provides free access to the stands containing the latest news in science alongside a number of publishers' collections that have been recuperated for their relevance and interest. The books presented address a variety of subjects, from educational books on science, books for children and adolescents, and others related with subjects of current scientific interest. This is a unique opportunity to appreciate the significance of science books and their contribution to society's culture and education. Numerous and diverse activities have been organized around the Exhibition, including conferences, story-telling sessions, shows and so on. CosmoCaixa. Teodor Roviralta, 47.

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• ‘TRAPPED IN THE ICE’, IN THE BARCELONA MARITIME MUSEUM

Trapped in the Ice. Shackleton's Legendary Expedition to the Antarctic is the title of the exhibition which may be visited at the Barcelona Maritime Museum from 13 November. The display is an adaptation of the exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York in 1999. It relates the story of the expedition by the British explorer Ernest Shackleton and a crew of twenty-seven men who, in August 1914, set off for Antarctica with the aim of carrying out the first crossing of the continent on foot. After opening a route through the frozen Weddell Sea, only 160 kilometres from their destination, his ship The Endurance became trapped in the ice and finally sank due to the pressure on its hull. This terrible experience lasted almost twenty months, during which time the men made two attempts to escape before finally being rescued. The adventure is related through 167 black-and-white and colour photographs taken by Frank Hurley, the expedition photographer. As well as giving us an understanding of the harsh conditions that the expedition had to deal with, the exhibition contains interactive modules to explain the characteristics of the Antarctic continent and the difficulties of living in such extreme conditions. Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. Drassanes, s/n.

• ‘SKELETONS’, AT THE ARCHITECTS' INSTITUTE OF BARCELONA

Establishing a comparison between the world of machines and that of human beings is a classic exercise, possibly because living beings are after all, an almost perfect machine from numerous points of view, especially that of structure. The endless number of species in the animal world establishes a proportional number of biostructural typologies which are corresponded to in architecture, in which we also find endless architectural and therefore structural typologies. The exhibition aims to establish the relationship between structures in the animal and the architectural worlds, based on study of their various structural typologies, often the origin of eternal discussions between function and form. A series of lectures entitled 'Statics and Architecture', has been organized to be given by architects and engineers specialized in building structures. This exhibition is part of the "Technique" series, which is being held throughout 2007 at the COAC. Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Barcelona. Plaça Nova, 5.

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SCIENCE TICKET

An initiative created in the framework of the Barcelona Science 2007 programme, the Science Ticket has been consolidated as a permanent offer backed by seven science centres. The ticket enables holders to acquire seven admission tickets, one for each of the participating centres, at a price of €18.50. The centres are CosmoCaixa, Barcelona Botanical Gardens, the Natural Science Museum, the Zoological Park of Barcelona, the Agbar Water Museum, the Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia, and the Maritime Museum. A specific element of this offer during 2007 has been that each centre has programmed activities related with colours.

October is the month of the mNACTEC which, every Sunday at 1 p.m., will organize a meeting to talk about The colours of light and how to make the most of solar energy. mNACTEC. Rambla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa

During November, the Barcelona Maritime Museum will lead the Colours activities with Colours of the sea, which takes place through a tour of the entire Museum and sets out to create a dialogue between the fishes on display and colours. Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. Drassanes, s/n

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BARCELONA SCIENCE 2007: DECEMBER

• EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC JOURNALISM

On the initiative of the European Commission through the Science and Society Unit of the General Directorate of Research, the city of Barcelona has been chosen to host the European Conference on Scientific Journalism. It is anticipated that over two hundred journalists from all EU member states will take part in the conference, which aims to review the role of journalism in transmission to the general public of information regarding science and technology. The conference is intended as a starting point for a debate on the current situation in scientific journalism. The meeting also represents an unprecedented opportunity to project the city of Barcelona and its capabilities in the field of science on the international stage. The conference will be held in the Jaume I building of the Pompeu Fabra University, on 3 and 4 December, and the official inauguration will be on Sunday, 2 December, in CosmoCaixa. CosmoCaixa. Teodor Roviralta, 47. Pompeu Fabra University. Edifici Jaume I. Trias Fargas, 25-27.

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ACTIVITIES OCTOBER 2007

Day Activity

• Monday, 1

7 p.m. Josep Egozcue Lectures. First edition of this series of lectures organized by the Víctor Grífols i Lucas Foundation and dedicated to the memory of the man who was Vice-president of the institution from its very beginnings, Josep Egozcue. Every year the aim of the lectures is to invite a specialist in bioethics to present lectures on a matter of current interest. Professor Daniel Callahan, director of the international programmes of the ‘The Hastings Center’ (New York) and one the people who has contributed most to the development and dissemination of bioethics is the first guest speaker at these lectures. Information on the website www.fundaciogrifols.org. On 1 October, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 2 October, from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Casa Àsia, Auditori Tagore. Diagonal 373.

7 p.m. Visions of Science: The chemistry of sex and pleasure. Presented by Josep Ma. Ferrer (IU Dexeus) Natural Science Museum Library. Pg. Picasso, s/n

• Tuesday, 2

7.30 p.m. Aeronautic and Space Week: Night of Poetry and Science. Session that explores the relationship between literature and the sciences of space, with the participation of Ramon Carreras, professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Raquel Maspoch, member of the Associació per a la Difusió de les Humanitats. An astronomical observation will also take place. Fabra Observatory. Ctra. de l’Observatori Fabra, 27.

• Wednesday, 3

10 a.m. Weekly Seminars: First year of the COOPCOM project. Lecture presented by Xavier Mestre, of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Telecommunications Technology Centre of Catalonia. Mediterranean Technology Park. Avgda. del Canal Olímpic, s/n. Castelldefels.

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6 p.m. Aeronautic and Space Week: The Space Odysseys, 1st Film and Space Festival of the City of Barcelona 2007 is the year in which we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launching into space of the first artificial satellite, the Sputnik. Fifty years during which the human being has tried to get closer to the infinite mysteries of the universe and expand its frontiers beyond the confines of the Earth. To celebrate this event, Barcelona City Council is organizing the Space Odysseys, the 1st Film and Space Festival of the City of Barcelona. The Festival aims to be a meeting point for films that set out to probe the universe of the space and it incognitos. From 3 to 6 October; further information at www.barcelonactiva.cat/saebs Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. de les Drassanes, s/n

6 p.m. What Planet Are You From Clarence Bean? Small-scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?) by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young. Poble Sec-Francesc Boix Library. Blai, 34.

• Friday, 5

10 a.m. Research for Primary Schools. Theatre-workshop Theatre-workshop in which two loony scientists invite upper-cycle primary school pupils to carry out experiments following scientific methods while they explain the functions of cells, DNA and genes. They then visit some of the Barcelona Science Park laboratories where they will see some of the research projects being undertaken in the field of biomedicine. Following this visit, pupils work the concepts they have learnt and do a drawing that illustrates their experience, which will be published on the Park website. Barcelona Science Park de. Josep Samitier, 1

6 p.m. 24 hours at an African watering-hole. An African watering-hole is a surprising place, a busy spot where animals meet several time a day. Discover the creatures that live there (elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and so on) and what they do to find food. For children from 7 to 9 years old. Fort Pienc Library. Ribes 12 –14.

6.30 p.m. The Stunning Science of Everything An activity structured in three sessions to explore the contents of a book, The Stunning Science of Everything by Nick Arnold. The sessions are practical as they involve participative activities and workshops centred around the contents of the book. Fort Pienc Library. Ribes, 12 – 14.

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• Saturday, 6

10 a.m. 19th Campaign of observation and follow-up of the migration of birds of prey in Collserola Park The last weekend of participation in this bird-watching campaign, with specialist monitors. Turó de la Magarola. Access: along the Pas de Rei path.

12 midday Full steam ahead!. A workshop which consists in a combination of experiments, games and demonstrations at full steam. Participants take a tour on the Museum train and visit the permanent installation, which includes a fun activity aimed at discovering all the secrets of water in its gaseous state. At 12 midday and 12.30 p.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. De Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

• Sunday, 7

10 a.m. World Bird Day. For this activity, the Can Coll Environmental Education Centre proposes a morning for learning about the world of birds and enjoying them, with guided bird watching, ornithological videos, reading points and games, as well as releasing birds from Can Balasc wildlife recovery module. Can Coll Environmental Education Centre. Carretera de Cerdanyola a Horta, km. 2.

10 a.m. 19th Campaign of observation and follow-up of the migration of birds of prey in Collserola Park Turó de la Magarola. Access: along the Pas de Rei path.

11 a.m. Sundays at the mNACTEC: The energy in the Planet. Workshops for all the family to live science in the mNACTEC one Sunday a month. Energy is a very special character who tells us about his history and transformations. We discover that anything we do, think or feel is energy. National Museum of Science and Technology. Rbla. Ègara, 270. Terrassa

12 midday Full steam ahead! At 12 midday and 12.30 p.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. De Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

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1 p.m. The Colours of Light. Workshop. Science Ticket activities included in The Sun in Terrassa exhibition. The Museum has created a new permanent interactive area in the open-air to explain how solar energy works. The area is intended to help visitors learn what the sun is and the many ways in which we can take advantage of the vast amount of solar energy reaching us every day. Of particular interest among the different experimental objects that explain phenomena related to solar time, direction finding and other curiosities is the huge Scheffler solar reflector, which can cook meals for scores of people. Activities linked with the exhibition will take place outdoors, weather permitting. This workshop will be held every Sunday in October. National Museum of Science and Technology. Rbla. Ègara, 270. Terrassa

• Monday, 8

7.30 p.m. Visions of Science: The fertility of the Catalans. With the participation of Ventura Coroleu, of the IU Dexeus. Les Corts-Miquel Llongueras Library. Riera Blanca, 1-3.

• Tuesday, 9

9 a.m. 9th International Conference on Electrical Power Quality and Utilisation (EPQU 2007) The Congress includes a broad range of themes, from energy efficiency in industry and buildings to the quality of electrical supply in networks with distributed generation and renewable energies. The scientific committee is made up of almost 70 members of 22 different nationalities, all internationally recognized at a professional and scientific level and belonging to both the business and the academic worlds. This is the first time the EPQU Conference will take place outside Poland, the country in which the last eight editions have been held, bringing it greater recognition and a more international character. On 9 and 10 October; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on 11 October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Previous registration required. World Trade Center. Moll de Barcelona s/n.

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6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Initiation of The Myth of Origins series which will discuss belief and science, two different routes taken by the research and knowledge of our origins which have coexisted from the beginnings of history until the present time. Forming part of the Origins. UniverseEarthLlifeHumanity exhibition, the series features talks and a film screening in each session, and will continue until 8 November. Participants in the first session include Juan Garcia Bellido, researcher at the CSIC, who will speak about the Origin of Origins. The Big Bang, and Jordi Nadal, prehistorian, from the UAB, who will talk about the Myth of Origins. The journalist Joaquim Elcacho will moderate the session, which will include screening of The Edge of Forever. Admission is free, with bookings on 93 319 69 50 or by email at [email protected]

• Wednesday, 10

10 a.m. Weekly Seminars Lecture presented by Luís Blanco, of the UPC. Telecommunications Technology Centre of Catalonia. Mediterranean Technology Park. Avgda. del Canal Olímpic, s/n. Castelldefels.

• Saturday, 13

4 p.m. Aitch-tu-oh! Workshop. Experiments and games for all the family to discover different aspects of the properties of water and its relationship with life and the planet. Sunday 14, from 11 a.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. de Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

• Sunday, 14

12 midday The museum with the family Through workshops, dynamic tours, tales, educational dossiers and other activities, families can visit the museum and enjoy a session in which games, observation, touch and reflection will help them find answers to such questions as "How to be a fish and not sink", "Why do some animals have colours that make them pass by unnoticed while others have colours that attract attention?" and " What is a fossil?" Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

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• Monday, 15

10 a.m. The Eye of Nature. Jordi Sabater Pi. Exhibition Exhibition of a collection of drawings that make up the Barcelona Science Park's Sabater Pi Collection, which includes such varied themes as ethnography, fauna, flora and landscapes and which Jordi Sabater Pi drew during the course of his life. Times, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Until 14 December. Barcelona Science Park. Baldiri Reixac, 4.

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Sex as an addiction. Lecture presented by Josep Maria Ferrer, of the University Institute Dexeus. Vila de Gràcia Library. Torrent de l’Olla, 104.

7.30 p.m. Beyond climate change: Research and dissemination at the poles. Final lecture in the series devoted to International Polar Year and organized by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation. This last session will include the participation of David Carlson, executive director of the Cambridge International Polar Year programme office. La Pedrera. Passeig de Gràcia, 92.

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• Tuesday, 16

6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. In the framework of this series of talks, a dialogue between Enrique Gaztañaga, cosmologist and member of the CSIC, who will speak about Dark energy, the motor of the Universe, and Jesús Mosterín, philosopher at the CSIC-UB, who will talk about Reality and speculation in cosmology. Michele Catanzaro, of El Periódico newspaper, will moderate the debate which will include screening of the documentary Travels in Space and Time (Cosmos series, Carl Sagan). Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

• Wednesday, 17

8 p.m. Festival Tardor Ribermúsica 07: Bluelili and science. Opening this festival of the district of the Ribera, a concert by Maria Barahona & Groovaloo, in a performance which offers a unique fusion of new music, philosophy, literature and science. Plaça Comercial with Passeig del Born.

• Thursday, 18

6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Conversation between Raimon Reginaldo, astronomer, Vice-president of the Agrupació Astronòmica de Sabadell, and Santiago Riera, professor emeritus of the History of Science and Technology at the University of Barcelona, who will speak about The age and history of our planet and Eppur si muove respectively. The journalist from Catalunya Ràdio, Josep Ruiz, will moderate the discussion, and The Harmony of the Worlds (Cosmos series, Carl Sagan) will be screened. Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

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8 p.m. Festival Tardor Ribermúsica 07: The Muses of Science and The Science of the Fugue. The central event of the Festival returns to the itinerary idea of the last edition with The Muses of Science, a journey through the streets surrounding Santa Maria del Mar with the singer and actress Nina, the Mnemosyne ensemble and the new ‘muses’, which culminates with a scenic poem inside the basilica: The Science of the Fugue, a descriptive rereading of the Art of the Fugue by J. S. Bach. The event sets out to draw attention to the eminently scientific character of music: mathematical formulation on paper, physical representation in space and time and chemical transformation in the emotional world. A cast of musicians will take part headed by Llibert Fortuny with the actor Lluís Soler, who will read texts by Vicenç Altaió, and the composer Peter Bacchus. Stage production will be by Oriol Broggi and Pau Carrió. The Muses of Science. 8 p.m. Itinerary through the streets surrounding Santa Maria del Mar. the Science of the Fugue. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

• Friday, 19

11 a.m. Science in the kitchen. Activities taking place in Barcelona markets which will explain the four basic rules intended to guarantee food safety. The scientific reasons why food must be cleaned, separated, cooked and kept cool will be explained. Fort Pienc market. Ribes, 16.

6 p.m. What Planet Are You From Clarence Bean? Small scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?), by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young. Les Corts – Miquel Llongueras Library.

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10 p.m. Astronomy Nights. Sessions of initiation into the observation of stars. Prior booking on 93 280 35 52. Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Saturday, 20

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Oaks and acorns. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

12 midday Tribute to Pius Font i Quer. In the framework of the Barcelona Science 2007 programme, institutional recognition of the founder and first director of the Barcelona Botanical Institute. Barcelona Botanical Institute. Passeig del Migdia, s/n.

4 p.m. Aitch-tu-oh! Workshop. Experiments and games for all the family to discover different aspects of the properties of water and its relationship with life and the planet. Sunday, 21, from 11 a.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. de Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

• Sunday, 21

12 midday Aperitifs with Science: We have lots of animals hidden away! The collections that are not in the exhibitions. Casual discussion at the Natural Science Museum with Eulàlia Garcia, biologist, doctor in Marine Sciences from the UPC and head curator of the vertebrates collection, and Francesc Uribe, biologist, doctor in Biology from the UB and head curator of the non-arthropod invertebrates collection. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

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• Monday, 22

Symposium of Museum Libraries and Documentation Centres: towards an integral management of information A day of exchange which will enable professionals of museum libraries and documentation centres from the museums of Catalonia to share their experiences with a view to widening knowledge of their activities. Organized by the Barcelona Maritime Museum and the Natural Science Museum. Maritime Museum. Agda. Drassanes, s/n.

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Culture and family planning. Lecture presented by Hèlia Díez, of the Public Health Agency. Garcilaso Library. Juan de Garay, 116.

• Tuesday, 23

6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Conversation between the geologist Luís de Luque, who will speak about A living planet: the Earth's dynamic, and Julio Rubio, coordinator of the Catalan branch of World Geologists, who will talk about Natural phenomena versus human catastrophes. The science journalist Cristina Ribas will also take part and the documentary What to do? (Marta Ferrer, Albert Folk, Laia Puig and Sandra Gutiérrez) will be screened. Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

6.30 p.m. Cosmology after Einstein: The cosmology of G. Gamow and that of the stationary state Lecture presented by Monsignor Francesc Nicolau, deputy director of the Geological Museum of the Seminary and professor emeritus of the Philosophy of Nature of the Philosophy Faculty of the URL. Sala Sant Jordi. Seminari de Barcelona. Diputació 231.

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7 p.m. Science Year at the mNACTEC: GPS, instant localisation. Lecture presented by Jorge Fleta. National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia. Rbla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa.

• Wednesday, 24

9 a.m. Young people investigate the future 2007. School activity. Following the success of the three previous editions, "Young people design the future 2004”, “Young people tell the future 2005” and “Young people paint the future 2006”, this year the Galliner Culture Association proposes that young people come into contact with science. With this in mind, twelve scientists will speak about such topics as astronomy, medicine, meteorology, science, nature, allergology, botany, health and so on. Throughout the day, these youngsters will experiment with science and will have the best scientists on hand to answer their most difficult questions. CosmoCaixa. Teodor Roviralta, 47.

• Thursday, 25

9 a.m. Scientific Congress of the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO). From 25 to 27 October. Barcelona Convention Centre. Rambla Prim, 1.

5.30 p.m. Constitution of the European Network of Cities for Science. On 25 and 26 October. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99.

6 p.m. What Planet Are You From Clarence Bean? Small-scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?), by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young. Bon Pastor Library. Estadella, 62.

6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Casual conversation between Mercè Piqueras, a biologist, who will offer her arguments on The beginning of life: what might have happened, and Francesc Torralba, professor of Philosophy at the URL, who will speak about The meaning of the Origin. Maria Josep Picó, director of the magazine NAT, will also take part and the film Genesis (Claude Nuridsany and Marie Pérennou) will be screened. Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

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7 p.m. 40th Course of Initiation to Astronomy. Inauguration of the course organized by ASTER, the Barcelona Astronomic Group. This course is designed to provide in a clear, friendly way, a far-reaching, complete and up-to-date review of astronomy in all its areas, both from a theoretical as well as a practical point of view. From 25 October to 3 December. Attendance by previous registration. Prices and times on the website www.aster.org Aragó, 141, 2n.

• Friday, 26

11 a.m. Science in the kitchen. Activities taking place in Barcelona municipal markets which will explain the four basic rules intended to guarantee food safety. The scientific reasons why food must be cleaned, separated, cooked and kept cool will be explained. Sant Andreu Market. Pl. Mercadal, 1.

• Saturday, 27

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Medium-size birds. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

12 midday What Planet Are You From Clarence Bean? Small scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?), by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young. Fort Pienc Library. Ribes, 12 – 14.

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4 p.m. Aitch-tu-oh! Workshop. Experiments and games for all the family to discover different aspects of the properties of water and its relationship with life and the planet. Sunday, 28, from 11 a.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. de Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

• Sunday, 28

10.30 a.m. Talks about colour: I've made myself a dress of flowers out of the invisible colours in the garden. Talk presented by Anna Homs. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2

11 a.m. Botanical Clinic. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2

12 a.m. Talks about colour: Nature is the muse of design: perception of colour. Talk with Lia Vilahur. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

1 p.m. The Colours of Light. Workshop. Science Ticket activities included in The Sun in Terrassa exhibition. The Museum has created a new permanent interactive area in the open-air to explain how solar energy works. The area is intended to help visitors learn what the sun is and the many ways in which we can take advantage of the vast amount of solar energy reaching us every day. Of particular interest among the different experimental objects that explain phenomena related to solar time, direction finding and other curiosities is the huge Scheffler solar reflector, which can cook meals for scores of people. National Museum of Science and Technology. Rbla. Ègara, 270. Terrassa

4 p.m. The illusions of the brain. Science Fair This science fair combines demonstrations and exhibitions by neuroscience research groups together with information from various associations and foundations, interspersed with performances from such bands as ReStart, Crows and Butterflies, Brana, Maelstorm, The Whyshoes and Lionivili. Razzmatazz. Pamplona, 88.

• Monday, 29

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Sexually transmitted diseases. Lecture presented by Patrícia García, from the Barcelona Public Health Agency. Sagrada Família Library. Provença, 480

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• Tuesday, 30

Waterbird Society. 31st Annual Meeting. International meeting organized by the Waterbird Society. Until Saturday, 3 November. University of Barcelona. Gran Via, 585.

6 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Conversation between the UPC professors Jordi Llorca and Ignasi Casanova, who will speak on the subject of Do we have an extraterrestrial origin?, with the doctor in Applied Physics Jordi Portell, coordinator of the SETI project in Catalonia, who will focus his arguments on The other extraterrestrials: the SETI project. The science journalist Rosa Marínez will moderate, and the film Contact, by Robert Zemekis, will be screened. Bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg Picasso, s/n

6.30 p.m. Cosmology after Einstein: Contributions and observations in Cosmology in the 1955-1965 decade. Lecture presented by Monsignor Francesc Nicolau, deputy director of the Geological Museum of the Seminary and professor emeritus of the Philosophy of Nature of the Philosophy Faculty of the URL. Sala Sant Jordi. Seminari de Barcelona. Diputació 231.

7.30 p.m. Aula El país: The future of organ transplantation. Stem cells can be used to regenerate tissue. Will regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells change current transplantation techniques? How far can this go? Can ageing be retarded with tissue transplants? What techniques are already realities? Are they accessible to everybody? These are just a few of the questions that will be raised in the next debate in the “Aula El País” series, with the participation of Dr. Anna Veiga, director of the Stem Cell Bank of the CMRB and scientific director of the University Institute Dexeus, and Dr. Blanca Miranda, director of the "Transplant Services Foundation" of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Prior registration on 93 401 05 00. Redacció El País. Consell de Cent, 341.

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• Wednesday, 31

10 a.m. Weekly Seminars: Resplandor. Lecture by Raül Muñoz. Telecommunications Technology Centre of Catalonia. Mediterranean Technology Park. Avgda. del Canal Olímpic, s/n. Castelldefels.

7.30 p.m. Electro-acoustic Music by Grup XXI, in conjunction with the Fundació Phonosmúsica Grup XXI, a Barcelona ensemble dedicated to the performance of contemporary music, in conjunction with the Fundació Phonosmúsica in a concert of current electro-acoustic music. Programme number 3 of Grup XXI – electro-acoustic Music with the Fundació Phonos. This second year of collaboration with the most significant electro-acoustic music centre in Spain will see four well-contrasted works from today's electro-acoustic music combined with the music of classical instruments. The concert includes 3 works heard for the first time in Spain, as well as the premiere of Synchronisms No. 2 by Mario Davidovsky, from 1964. Davidovsky's music is considered a “classic” of the world of electro- acoustic music. Admission is free. SGAE Mompou Hall. Pg. Colom, 6.

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ACTIVITIES NOVEMBER 2007

Day Activity

Colours of the Sea. The colour of the sea is... An activity linked to the Science Ticket which will take place throughout November, from Monday to Friday aimed at school groups, and for the entire family at weekends. This exhibition, which runs the length of the Museum, sets out to create a dialogue between the exhibits and colours. Going beyond its ethnological character, it establishes links with science using parallelisms drawn between the colours which are to be found in diverse elements related to the sea and the culture that surrounds it. Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. Drassanes, s/n.

• Friday, 2

9 a.m. Sailing through Science. Exhibition that examines ocean sailing from a scientific point of view. Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Until 29 February 2008. Portal de la Pau.

• Saturday, 3

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: The Vallvidrera reservoir. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Sunday, 4

10 a.m. Strolls along Montjüïc. A guided tour, lasting approximately three hours, which begins in the Joan Brossa gardens and passes by the Alcalde viewpoint. This stroll along Montjuïc enters a wooded area that ends at the Camí del Mar path, passing along the entire coastal side of the mountain to the foot of the Montjuïc castle. Surrounded by a dense pine grove, this castle still preserves the tower, Torre del Guaita. The next stop is the Migdia park, once home to an Iberian village, which connects with the high plateau of Gurugú and the old path, the Camí de l'Esparver. This was the first nucleus of population of the city and the location of many of the quarries that provided materials employed to build the streets and palaces of Medieval Barcelona. This activity will take place every Sunday. Price: €6. Leaves from: Plaça Dante.

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• Monday, 5

12 midday Natural systems of waste water purification. Lecture presented by Josep M. Bayona. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

7 p.m. Visions of Science: The day after and the other days. Joaquim Calafat, from the Hospital de Sant Pau, will speak about the next-day pill and its contraindications. Garcilaso Library. Juan de Garay, 116.

• Tuesday, 6

12 midday Peptides help diagnose illnesses. Lecture presented by Isabel Haro Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Conversation between Jordi Serrallonga, a naturalist, who will speak about human primates, and Norbert Bilbeny, professor of Ethics at the UB, who will talk about ethnocentric humans. The science journalist Cristina Sáez will moderate the session, in which the film Greystoke, the Legend of Tarzan (Hugh Hudson, 1984) will be screened. Information and bookings on 93 319 69 50 or at [email protected] Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

6.30 p.m. Cosmology after Einstein: The problem of antimatter and the Cosmology of Dirac. Lecture presented by Monsignor Francesc Nicolau, deputy director of the Geological Museum of the Seminary and professor emeritus of the Philosophy of Nature of the Philosophy Faculty of the URL. Sala Sant Jordi. Seminari de Barcelona. Diputació 231.

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• Wednesday, 7

12 midday The application of RMN in the study of surfactant systems. Lecture presented by Lourdes Pérez. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

• Thursday, 8

9 a.m. 11th Museums and Education Workshops: How to work with Scientific Activities in Museums which are not Science Museums. As with other years, the Maritime Museum is organizing the Museum and Educational Workshops in which the centre once more shows its dedication to this theme and, specifically, to the educational interest held by its exhibits, in other words, the mechanisms which make it possible to transmit the message of the exhibition to visitors. This year, the theme of the workshops is How to Work with Scientific Activities in Museums which are not Science Museums. The workshops are aimed at museum professionals who work in education departments. On 8 and 9 November. Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. Drassanes, s/n.

12 midday Soap: from bubbles to liquid crystals. Lecture presented by Ramon Pons. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

6 p.m. DNA techniques for personal identification. Workshop. A multimedia conference on the origin, evolution and applications of this technique of personal identification. It offers information from the centre library’s documentary collections on the subjects of forensic science, criminology and criminalistics, which currently contain nearly 400 items, basically in book and DVD form. Canyelles Library. Ronda de la Guineueta Vella, 34.

6 p.m. The Stunning Science of Everything An activity structured in three sessions to explore the contents of a book, The Stunning Science of Everything by Nick Arnold. The sessions are practical as they involve participative activities and workshops centred around the contents of the book. Sant Pau-Santa Creu Library. Hospital, 56 / Carme, 47.

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6.30 p.m. The Myth of Origins. Belief and Science. Last session of these conversations, featuring Daniel Turbón, professor of Physical Anthropology at the UB, who will speak about What makes us humans? and Sebastià Serrano, professor of Linguistics at the UB, who will explain The interest in our origins. With the participation of the science journalist Lluís Reales and screening of The Planet of the Apes (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1968). Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

7 p.m. Conversations in Barcelona: Complexity, education and transdisciplinarity. The first of four conversations programmed in this series for the autumn. With the participation of the philosopher Raúl Motta. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99.

• Friday, 9

SCIENCE WEEK. From 9 to 18 November.

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10.30 a.m. Lecture by Jordi Sabater Pi: Observe, draw, know, love and protect. Lecture on the work and research activity of the University of Barcelona professor emeritus Jordi Sabater Pi, presented by the professor himself, who will explain to the audience the nature of his most significant discoveries. He will also describe how he carried out research work during the years he spent in Africa and will reveal a few anecdotes and some of the experiences he lived and shared with the indigenous tribes of Guinea and the albino gorilla Floquet de Neu (Snowflake). The public will also have the opportunity to put questions to this distinguished ethnologist. The lecture will take place in the framework of the Eye of Nature. Jordi Sabater Pi exhibition which can be visited at the PCB until 14 December. Barcelona Science Park. Baldiri Reixac, 4.

11 a.m. Science in the kitchen Activities taking place in Barcelona markets which will explain the four basic rules intended to guarantee food safety. The scientific reasons why food must be cleaned, separated, cooked and kept cool will be explained. Les Corts Market. Travessera de les Corts, 215.

12 midday Biological oxidation and healthy ageing. Lecture presented by Josep Lluís Torre Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

10 p.m. Astronomy Nights. Sessions of initiation to the observation of the stars and other celestial objects. The activity combines theoretical explanations with practical observations (an introduction to the use of star charts, identification of constellations and observation through a telescope) and is aimed at the general public. This activity takes place from ten to twelve at night. Collserola Park Information Centre. Crta. De l'Església, 92.

• Saturday, 10

WORLD SCIENCE DAY

9 a.m. A Practical Introduction to Meteorological Observation. A practical one-day course which aims to provide the tools for use in meteorological observation, the identification of clouds, meteorological phenomena, the rules of atmospheric observation and technological observations. Admission is free. Register in advance for this course. Fabra Observatory. Carretera de Vallvidrera s/n.

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9 a.m. Sciences and the very young. Seminar. This is the third seminar to be held in the Museum aimed at discussing the situation and the role of experimental sciences and mathematics in infant and primary education, and the part that can be played by schools and science centres in non-formal education. mNACTEC. Rambla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa.

10 a.m. 3rd Exhibition of Science Books. The Exhibition of Science Books is an annual event which takes place in the CosmoCaixa foyer. Visitors have free access to the stands where the main novelties in Science books can be found as well as some older publications which are included thanks to their relevance and interest. From 10 to 18 November, one of the activities in Science Week. CosmoCaixa. Teodor Roviralta, 47.

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: How squirrels live. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

4.30 p.m. How to be a fish and not sink. Workshop. An interactive activity involving three experiments to demonstrate why some materials float and others do not, what makes a body float in water and what fish do to control their ability to float. In the framework of Science Week. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

5.30 p.m. You, me, the monkeys... our family. Workshop. The Museum presents a journey by air around the world to bring the public closer to the world of monkeys. In the framework of Science Week. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

• Sunday, 11

10 a.m. Open day at the Botanical Gardens. A Science Week activity Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

12 midday Sundays at the mNACTEC: The children's mNACTEC. This new space for children from three to twelve years of age has been created with the idea of bringing science nearer to the very young, in an enjoyable and at the same time educational way through various modules linked by a common theme: the human body. The subjects covered are teeth, muscular strength and the different senses. mNACTEC. Rambla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa.

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12 midday Sundays at the mNACTEC: Surprising experiments: Oh! Ah! Adolf Cortel, professor of Physics and Chemistry and a specialist in experimentation, will carry out experiments in which the entire family can take part. With devices he himself constructs the professor will demonstrate some spectacular phenomena in physics. mNACTEC. Rambla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa

12 midday Mendel, Peas and Genes. Show. The Museum presents a journey to the small garden of the Santo Tomàs Abbey to meet an Austrian monk called Gregor Mendel, considered to be the father of Genetics. What did he discover? Why, in the nineteenth century, did the church prohibit him from experimenting with animals? What importance did he give to crossing peas? Children and adults will witness what happened between the Archbishop and Mendel and will take part in two experiments in order to understand more easily his work on genes, and the reason why we look like or are different from our parents. In the framework of Science Week. Shows at 12 midday, 12.30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

12 midday How to be a fish and not sink. Workshop. An interactive activity involving three experiments to demonstrate why some materials float and others do not, what makes a body float in water and what fish do to control their ability to float. In the framework of Science Week. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

• Monday, 12

Open days at the CESCA, Supercomputing Centre of Catalonia. During these open days, from 12 to 16 November, the Centre will offer guided tours of the high-performance communications and calculations technology installations and a review of the history of supercomputers. The event also seeks to demonstrate the research work carried out by the Centre, such as a number of investigation projects involving supercomputing, and others connected with pharmaceutical design and digital information archive services with open access (such as TDX, RECERCAT, RACO and PADICAT). The communications area will feature a demonstration of the Anella Científica (Scientific Ring) and its additional services, as well as the Punt Neutre d’Internet a Catalunya (CATNIX). Please call 93 205 64 64 to arrange a date for your tour. CESCA. Gran Capità 2-4, 3a planta (Edifici Nexus)

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10 a.m. Research in the Universities. Multimedia exhibition. An exhibition that will travel around numerous secondary schools with the aim of bringing students closer to the research being carried out in the universities and of disseminating the role played by scientific advances in improving our quality of life. For almost a week, students will enjoy a series of information sessions, videos and interactive programs in their own schools carried out by teachers from the university. These resources contain visual examples of different phenomena in which, by modifying important variables, the effects predicted in scientific laws can be observed. Complementary activities in the framework of the exhibition include lectures and round-tables which will explain the current situation of research in the University and the steps that must be taken to get to form part of one of its many prestigious research group. The IES Maragall may be visited from 12 to 16 November, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. IES Maragall. Provença, 187.

12 midday Pharmaceutical residues in the rivers Ebre and Llobregat: origins, environmental behaviour and elimination. Lecture presented by Damià Barceló Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Pregnancy before 18 and after 40. Casual discussion presented by Joaquim Calaf, of the Hospital de Sant Pau. Vila de Gràcia Library. Torrent de l’Olla, 104.

8 p.m. Transforming Mars comfortably. Meeting. The Coll Fantasy III series, a programme of activities revolving round the subject of fantasy, science-fiction and comics, offers the conference "Transforming Mars comfortably", presented by Jaume Sacasas i Doménech, which will discuss Jules Verne's famous words "Whatever one man is capable of imagining, other men will prove themselves capable of realizing". El Coll Civic Centre. Aldea, 15.

9 p.m. The Physicists. Dramatised reading. Romea Theatre. Hospital, 51.

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• Tuesday, 13

Trapped in the Ice. Shakleton's legendary expedition to Antarctica. Exhibition. The Maritime Museum presents an adaptation of the exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York in 1999. It tells the story of the expedition by the British explorer Ernest Shackleton and a crew of twenty-seven men who, in August 1914, set off for Antarctica with the aim of carrying out the first crossing of the continent on foot. The adventure is related through 167 black-and-white and colour photographs taken by Frank Hurley, the expedition photographer. Barcelona Maritime Museum. Avgda. de les Drassanes, s/n.

9 a.m. Scientific Film and Video Workshop. A workshop with films and audiovisual productions with a scientific theme and afterwards a round table discussion on subjects related to the screenings, as well as discussions on attitudes towards scientific concepts. Each year a different subject related to scientific events is chosen for these workshops, always with the aim of creating awareness of the world of science and posing questions on the communication of scientific themes and the relevance of the fact that this must always be transparent. The workshop will be mainly aimed at Batxillerat and university students. This activity is included in the 2007 Science Week Biology Faculty. Av. Diagonal, 645.

10 a.m. Come and do an express doctorate! Open days in the PCB. Open days in the Barcelona Science Park which include the presentation of the Park, a research project of doctoral theses under the guidance of a doctorate student and a visit to the installations. This visit is carried out by means of a clue game in which visitors are invited to "do a doctorate". Thus students can see the different laboratories and services where the doctorate student has worked during his or her project. On the 13, 15, 20 and 22 November, sessions at 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. Barcelona Science Park. Josep Samitier, 1-5.

10 a.m. Open Doors at the CMIMA, Mediterranean Centre for Marine and Environmental Research This year during Science Week the Mediterranean Centre will organize open-door workshops which offer visits to the biological collections, the laboratories and the installations. There will also be the possibility of visiting the oceanographic ship, García del Cid. On 13 and 14 November, from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. And from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. CMIMA. Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49

12 midday Non-contaminating methods of insect control. Lecture presented by Ángel Guerrero. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

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6.30 p.m. Cosmology after Einstein: Alternative cosmologies to that of the Big Bang. Lecture presented by Monsignor Francesc Nicolau, deputy director of the Geological Museum of the Seminary and professor emeritus of the Philosophy of Nature of the Philosophy Faculty of the URL. Sala Sant Jordi. Seminari de Barcelona. Diputació 231.

7 p.m. The ICTs at home: domestic telecommunications. Lecture. Casual conversation presented by Sebatià Capella. mNACTEC. Rambla d’Ègara, 270. Terrassa.

• Wednesday, 14

Science Day at Schools, in the framework of Science Week.

Change of Design in Antique Objects: a question of Technology. The Archeometry Research Team at the University of Barcelona (ERAUB) presents an activity that shows the research being carried out on vases and kitchen pottery (terra sigillara) manufactured by the ceramic artists of the Roman era. Archeometry is the study of archaeological objects by means of the application of experimental science analytical techniques, mainly those employed in the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Geology. The application of these techniques enables us to answer such questions as Where were the ceramics made? Why did they have this design and not another? Why are they made with certain colours, varnishes or decorations and not others? and How did the artists achieve these finishes? Registration and information at [email protected]. The course will be held in the afternoon on 14, 15 and 16 November. Geography and History Faculty of the UB. Montalegre, 6.

12 midday Will there be chemistry between us? Lecture presented by Àngel Messeguer. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

5.30 p.m. 24 hours at an African watering-hole. An African watering-hole is a surprising place, a busy spot where animals meet several time a day. Discover the creatures that live there (elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and so on) and what they do to find food. For children from 7 to 9 years old. Bon Pastor Library. Estadella, 62.

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5.30 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 1 This activity will be carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.es/biblioteques. Francesca Bonnemaison Library. Sant Pere més Baix, 7.

• Thursday, 15

ANA's Dinosaurs. Exhibition. ANA is a site of dinosaur remains situated in the province of Castellón which palaeontologists of the Grup Guix and the Sabadell-based Miquel Crusafont Institute of Palaeontology have been excavating since 2002, with the collaboration of the Cinctorres town council. The exhibition employs texts, photographs and drawings to show the fascinating world of dinosaurs, their principal characteristics and how palaeontologists work, both in the field and in the laboratory. The display focuses on the history of the site and uses a scale reconstruction to explain what the area of Els Ports was like 115 million years ago. It also presents representations of Iguanodonts and other carnivorous dinosaurs, with original fossils and replicas. Until June 2008. Miquel Crusafont Institute of Palaeontology. Escola Industrial, 23.

9 a.m. Mushrooms and Lichens. Exhibition The Historical Building of the University of Barcelona opens its doors to this botanical exhibition, which has been present in Barcelona for many years. It consists of collections of different live mushrooms and lichens which are catalogued by families, by their scientific name and by their common name, with a morphological description and their degree of edibility. The exhibition is aimed at anyone interested in mycology. Thanks to information provided by the Mycology Society, visitors can compare their knowledge and popular beliefs with scientific explanations. They can also collaborate with the exhibition by bringing their own specimens, which will be catalogued and later exhibited. In the UB vestibule, on 15, 16 and 17 November. Historical Building of the UB. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585.

10 a.m. Come and do an express doctorate! Open days in the PCB. On 13, 15, 20 and 22 November, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Barcelona Science Park. Josep Samitier, 1-5.

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10 a.m. Second Science Workshop on Nursing and Podiatry. The workshop consists in the presentation of research projects that received subsidies from the Nursing School Board at the 2006 extraordinary meeting. The projects, presented by research professors from the centre’s three departments, address such current issues as domestic violence, gerontological care, audiovisual material as a support in nursing studies, the beliefs and values in the covering of patients’ basic needs, and themes related to podiatry. UB School of Nursing. Campus de Bellvitge. Pavelló de Govern. Feixa Llarga s/n. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.

12 midday Human influence in climate change. Lecture presented by Joan O. Grimalt. Chemical and Environmental Research Institute of Barcelona. Jordi Girona, 18 – 26

7 p.m. Conversations in Barcelona: Will 21st century technology change the way we do things? Lecture presented by doctor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99

• Friday, 16

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• Saturday, 17

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Mushrooms. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

11 a.m. Do research. Series of workshops with experiments for all. This series of workshops is aimed at families and students of the second cycle of ESO and Batxillerat. Participants in the workshops will experience what it's like to do research, will be shown the entire process of the scientific method and will learn to ask themselves questions and find solutions, as well as gain an insight into the research currently being carried out in the universities. Caixa Catalunya Cultural Centre. La Pedrera. Pg. de Gràcia, 92.

12 midday Full steam ahead!. A workshop which consists in a combination of experiments, games and demonstrations at full steam. Participants take a tour on the Museum train and visit the permanent installation, which includes a fun activity aimed at discovering all the secrets of water in its gaseous state. Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, at 12 midday and 12.30 p.m. Agbar Water Museum. Ctra. De Sant Boi, 4. Cornellà de Llobregat.

6 p.m. Lunatics' Club: The Moon that accompanies us. In the 18th century, every night on which there was a full moon the grandfather of Charles R. Darwin, Erasmus Darwin, would meet with a group of friends in Birmingham and discuss science and matters concerning humankind: technology, politics, religion and so on. The reason for choosing such nights was that when they returned in the dead of night they wanted the paths to be well lit (the best way to avoid carriage accidents and being surprised by bandits). The Museum is reproducing these encounters, now dealing with the latest topics of scientific interest, promoting debate and matching opinions across the board. The format is that of discussion which will start with a short lecture delivered by an expert in the subject at hand, before the debate is taken up by those attending. The subject this Saturday is 'The moon that accompanies us'; following the discussion a workshop of Moon observation will take place. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

• Sunday, 18

11 a.m. One parrot, two parrots... ten thousand parrots? Workshop How many parrots are there in Barcelona? The Museum presents a research activity to find out, through a practical workshop of observation in the field to collect data. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n

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12 midday Aperitifs with science: The underwater forests of the Mediterranean Meeting coordinated by Josep M. Gili, marine biologist. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

12 a.m. The CERN experiments explained in the mNACTEC. mNACTEC. Rbla. d’Ègara. 270. Terrassa.

1 p.m. Solar energy and salt extraction: a journey from the Baix Pallars to Terrassa. mNACTEC. Rbla. d’Ègara. 270. Terrassa.

• Monday, 19

10 a.m. Research in the Universities. Multimedia exhibition. An exhibition that will travel around numerous secondary schools with the aim of bringing students closer to the research being carried out in the universities and of explaining the role played by scientific advances in improving our quality of life. For almost a week, students will enjoy a series of information sessions, videos and interactive programs in their own schools carried out by teachers from the university. These educational resources contain visual examples of different phenomena in which, by modifying important variables, the effects predicted in scientific laws can be observed. Complementary activities in the framework of the exhibition include lectures and round-tables which will explain the current situation of research in the University and the steps that must be taken to get to form part of one of its many prestigious research group. The IES Maremar may be visited from 19 to 23 November, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. IES Maremar. Avgda. Cusí i Furtunet, 52. El Masnou.

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Menopause and health. Lecture presented by Montserrat Manubens, of the University Institute Dexeus. Les Corts – Miquel Llongueras Library. Riera Blanca 1-3.

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• Tuesday, 20

Chemistry and Wine. Workshop. The aim of these workshops, which include lectures, wine tasting and a visit to a wine cellar, is to provide a general view of the important role that chemistry plays in the knowledge of wine and in the technological improvement of its quality. A Designation of Origin is chosen for each edition. Wine consists of nearly one thousand different chemical components, and their balance and harmonious presence constitute the properties that characterize the quality of the wine. Although it is a food, the consumption of wine is not related to its nutritional properties, but to the pleasure it causes on being tasted. Its quality depends on its sensorial properties, which are the result of the interaction between the chemical components of the wine with our senses (sight, hearing, smell and touch). The workshop will take place on the mornings of 20 and 21 November. Chemistry Faculty. Martí i Franquès, 1.

125 years of Neurology. Exhibition. The year 2007 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Neurology Service of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (1882- 2007), which was the first to be established in Spain. Three types of activities have been organized in this context: commemorative academic workshops in conjunction with the UAB; informative conferences aimed at the wider public (Alzheimer's, dementias, Parkinson's, etc.) and the photographic exhibition 125 Years of Neurology, which can be visited until 15 December. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; Nou Hospital. Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167.

Course of introduction to ethology. A course offered by Barcelona Zoological Park given by lecturers from the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona and by professionals and technicians from the Zoo. It is aimed at students and people interested in zoology and, more specifically, in the study of the behaviour of animals and in its methodology. The course is an initial introduction to ethology and the study of leading groups of animals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and marine mammals and their behavioural patterns. Until 22 December. Barcelona Zoo. Parc de la Ciutadella, s/n.

10 a.m. Come and do an express doctorate! Open days at the PCB. On 13, 15, 20 and 22 November, at 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. Barcelona Science Park. Josep Samitier, 1-5.

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6.30 p.m. Cosmology after Einstein: The universe: open or closed? Lecture presented by Monsignor Francesc Nicolau, deputy director of the Geological Museum of the Seminary and professor emeritus of the Philosophy of Nature of the Philosophy Faculty of the URL. Sala Sant Jordi. Seminari de Barcelona. Diputació 231.

• Wednesday, 21

5.30 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 2 The second session of this activity which is carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.es/biblioteques. Francesca Bonnemaison Library. Sant Pere més Baix, 7.

9.30 p.m. Grup XXI and Catalan cobla orchestra instruments. The results of research into the acoustics of Catalan cobla orchestra instruments carried out by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia over many years are about to bear fruit with presentation of the prototype of an oboe-like tenora acoustically improved with respect to the old, traditional instrument. And the inclusion of our autochthonous instruments in official tertiary education is evidence of their hitherto unheard possibilities when integrated into contemporary music ensembles, as well as the need to explore modern languages where until now they had not been accustomed to be seen. All of these factors are the main reason why Grup XXI has promoted this concert which sets out, on the one hand, to put the new tenora to the test within a mixed line-up and, on the other, to build bridges between a group professionally specialised in contemporary music and the cobla instruments of today. It should be mentioned that three of the works in this concert are pieces commissioned by the Emili Pujol International Music Cathedra of the Cervera-Bellpuig International Festival. In the concert, we present works by such leading composers of our time as Robert Gerhard, Mariona Vila, Peter Bacchus and Feliu Gasull, as well as the premier of the outstanding young composer Octavi Rumbau. Sala Mompou de l’SGAE. Pg. Colom, 6.

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• Thursday, 22

Skeletons. Exhibition The exhibition aims to establish the relationship between the structure of the animal world and that of the architectural world, based on the study of various structural typologies, an area where eternal discussions between function and form are often found. A series of lectures entitled "Statics and Architecture" has been organized around the exhibition to be given by architects and engineers specialized in constructional structures. Until 5 January 2008. Col·legi d’Arquitectes de Barcelona. Plaça Nova, 5.

10 a.m. Come and do an express doctorate! Open days at the PCB. On 13, 15, 20 and 22 November, at 10 a.m. and at 3.30 p.m. Barcelona Science Park. Josep Samitier, 1-5.

7 p.m. Conversations in Barcelona: Artistic creation and the brain. Lecture presented by Samir Zeki, neurobiologist. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99

7 p.m. Lunatics' Club: How is science taught in schools? Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

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• Friday, 23

Archaeology in Barcelona. A past with future. Exhibition. Since its foundation, the City History Museum has undertaken to manage, excavate, conserve and study Barcelona's archaeological heritage through its Archaeological Service and the research it carries out. Archaeological digs have been going on in the city since the early 20th century and in most cases are connected with major architectural and urban design projects: redevelopment of the Gothic Quarter, the opening up of Via Laietana, and so on. The radical urban transformation that Barcelona has undergone over the last twenty-five years as a result of the 1992 Olympics and Forum 2004, complemented by measures of architectural modernisation providing new attractions for tourists and businesses alike have led to archaeological activity increasing in parallel to these urban changes. As a direct consequence of this, the historical knowledge we possess of the city today is deeper, richer and more diverse than ever before. This exhibition aims to present the results of the last twenty-five years of excavations, as well as to explain the methodology followed by the discipline in order to transform field data into historical explanations. With this in mind, we set out to share our knowledge and Barcelona’s archaeological heritage with its citizens. Until November 2008. City History Museum. Plaça del Rei, s/n.

• Saturday, 24

10 a.m. Bonsai Exhibition. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

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10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Fruits of the forest. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

11 a.m. Do Research. Series of workshops and experiments for all. This series of workshops is aimed at families and students of the second cycle of ESO and Batxillerat. Participants in the workshops will experience what it's like to do research, will be shown the entire process of the scientific method and will learn to ask themselves questions and find solutions, as well as gain an insight into the research currently being carried out in the universities. Caixa Catalunya Cultural Centre. La Pedrera. Pg. de Gràcia, 92.

• Sunday, 25

10 a.m. Bonsai Exhibition. At 11 a.m., bonsai workshop. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

10.30 a.m. Talks about colour: The hidden message in the colour of birds' plumage. Talk by Javier Quesada. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2

12 midday Talks about colour: The hidden colours of Nature. Presented by David Beltran. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2.

• Monday, 26

10 a.m. Research in the Universities. Multimedia exhibition. An exhibition that will travel around numerous secondary schools with the aim of bringing students closer to the research being carried out in the universities and of disseminating the role played by scientific advances in improving our quality of life. For almost a week, students will enjoy a series of information sessions, videos and interactive programs in their own schools carried out by teachers from the university. These resources contain visual examples of different phenomena in which, by modifying important variables, the effects predicted in scientific laws can be observed. Complementary activities in the framework of the exhibition include lectures and round-tables which will explain the current situation of research in the University and the steps that must be taken to get to form part of one of its many prestigious research group. The IES Torras i Bages of Hospitalet de Llobregat may be visited from 26 to 30 November, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. IES Torras i Bages. Avgda. Can Serra, 101. L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

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6 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 1 This activity will be carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.es/biblioteques. Francesc Candel Library. Mare de Déu del Port, 363

7 p.m. Visions of Science: Reproduction, sex and evolution. Casual conversation with Arcadi Navarro of the UPF. Sagrada Família Library. Provença, 480.

• Tuesday, 27

7 p.m. Medicine for all: Drug addictions. Presented by Dr. José Pérez de los Cobos of the psychiatric service of the Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital. Sant Pau Hospital. Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167.

• Wednesday, 28

5.30 p.m. 24 hours at an African watering hole. An African watering-hole is a surprising place, a busy spot where animals meet several time a day. Discover the creatures that live there (elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and so on) and what they do to find food. For children from 7 to 9 years old. Bon Pastor Library. Estadella, 62.

• Thursday, 29

6 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 2 Second session of this activity which is carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.es/biblioteques. Francesc Candel Library. Mare de Déu del Port, 363

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7 p.m. Conversations in Barcelona: The social and cultural impact of space research. Lecture presented by Roger Malina, astrophysicist and publisher. Palau de la Virreina. La Rambla, 99

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ACTIVITIES DECEMBER 2007

Day Activity

• Saturday, 1

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Wintering birds. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre. Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

11 a.m. Do Research. Series of workshops and experiments for all. This series of workshops is aimed at families and students of the second cycle of ESO and Batxillerat. Participants in the workshops will experience what it's like to do research, will be shown the entire process of the scientific method and will learn to ask themselves questions and find solutions, and will gain an insight into the research currently being carried out in the universities. Caixa Catalunya Cultural Centre. La Pedrera. Pg. de Gràcia, 92.

• Sunday, 2

10 a.m. Strolls along Montjuïc. A guided tour, lasting approximately three hours, which begins in the Joan Brossa gardens and passes by the Alcalde viewpoint. This stroll along Montjuïc enters a wooded area that ends at the Camí del Mar path, passing along the entire coastal side of the mountain to the foot of the Montjuïc castle. Surrounded by a dense pine grove, this castle still preserves the tower, Torre del Guaita. The next stop is the Migdia park, once home to an Iberian village, which connects with the high plateau of Gurugú and the old path, the Camí de l'Esparver. This was the first nucleus of population of the city and the location of many of the quarries that provided materials employed to build the streets and palaces of Medieval Barcelona. Price: €6. Leaves from: Plaça Dante.

11 a.m. Winter Festival, Christmas workshops. A morning of activities in which the general public is invited to enjoy a more respectful and sustainable Christmas season. Includes creative workshops using recycled materials, story readings and walks through the woods, topped off with a show at 1 p.m. Can Coll Environmental Education Centre. Ctra. de Cerdanyola a Horta, km. 2

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European Conference on Scientific Journalism. On the initiative of the European Commission through the Science and Society Unit of the General Directorate of Research, the city of Barcelona has been chosen to host the European Conference on Scientific Journalism. The conference aims to review the role of journalism in transmission to the general public of information regarding science and technology. The conference is intended as a starting point for a debate on the current situation in scientific journalism. The meeting also represents an unprecedented opportunity to project the city of Barcelona and its capabilities in the field of science on the international stage. On 2, 3 and 4 December. UPF. Edifici Jaume I. Trias Fargas, 25.

• Wednesday, 5

• Wednesday, 12

10 a.m. Research for Primary Schools. Theatre-workshop Barcelona Science Park. Josep Samitier, 1

• Thursday, 13

7 p.m. Dramatized reading of "Copenhagen" by Michael Frayn. The work portrays the meeting held in Copenhagen in the middle of the Second World War between Danish physicist Niels Bohr and the German, Werner Heisenberg, whom many considered had links to the Nazi regime. The great mystery surrounding the meeting concerns whether Heisenberg simply wanted an exchange of scientific ideas or if he was in fact seeking help in the development of armaments projects. Michael Frayn reconstructs a possible theory about what happened in Copenhagen in 1941. Presented by the Teatre de la Incertesa company. Institute of Continuous Education of the UPF, IDEC. Balmes, 132.

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• Friday, 14

10 p.m. Astronomy Nights. Sessions of initiation to the observation of stars. Prior booking on 93 280 35 52. Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Saturday, 15

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Shrubs in the oak wood. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Sunday, 16

12 midday Aperitifs with Science: From the Pedralbes mammoth to the shells of Montjuïc Casual discussion with Jaume Gallemí, curator of the Natural Science Museum. Natural Science Museum. Pg. Picasso, s/n.

• Wednesday, 19

10 a.m. Weekly Seminars: Wisquas. Lecture presented by Carlos Bader. Telecommunications Technology Centre of Catalonia. Mediterranean Technology Park. Avgda. del Canal Olímpic, s/n. Castelldefels.

6.15 p.m. What Planet Are You From Clarence Bean? Small scale show based on the book What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean? (De quin planeta ets, Anna Tarambana?), by Lauren Child, performed by the actress Mon Mas, a performance that explains things about the environment to the very young. Francesc Candel Library. Amnistia Internacional, 10

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• Thursday, 20

12 midday The Lunatics' Club: When the vertebrates had not yet invented the bone. The museum hosts this series of discussions which, like those that took place in the English 'Lunatics' Club' in the 18th century, bring together a group of people to take part in debates on science and society. Discussion presented by Patricio Domínguez, palaeontologist of the Complutense University of Madrid. Natural Science Museum, Pg. Picasso, s/n

• Friday, 21

10 p.m. Astronomy Nights. Sessions of initiation to the observation of stars. Prior booking on 93 280 35 52. Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Saturday, 22

10 a.m. Seasonal Itineraries: The winter itinerary. Why do the leaves of some trees fall? How do plants withstand low temperatures? Continuing the seasonal calendar, the winter itinerary can be followed until 16 March. Botanical Gardens. Dr. Font i Quer, 2. 08038 Barcelona

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: The mountain's hidden mammals. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

• Thursday, 27

5 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 1 This activity will be carried out in the multimedia areas of numerous libraries and has the objective of building small robots by recycling parts from computer equipment. The workshop is directed by a computer expert and a workshop coordinator who, in the first place, explain the materials being used and the value and importance of recycling and, secondly, outline simple scientific concepts to help understand a computer's insides and its mysteries. The workshop ends with the construction of a robot. Aimed at children from 10 years of age. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.es/biblioteques. Xavier Benguerel Library. Av. Bogatell, 17

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• Friday, 28

5 p.m. Robot construction workshop. Session 2 Second and final session of this workshop to learn how to build robots out of recycled computer parts. Prior registration necessary. Further information on the website www.bcn.cat/biblioteques. Xavier Benguerel Library. Av. Bogatell, 17

• Saturday, 29

10.30 a.m. Theme-based strolls in Collserola Park: Undergrowth and vegetation. Two outings, at 10.30 a.m. and 12 midday. A free activity, with registration at the same centre Collserola Park Information Centre. Ctra. de l’Església, 92.

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Barcelona Institute of Culture Press Department

Head of Press Carlos González

Rosa M Anglada Alvaro López Laura Marin

La Rambla, 99 08002 Barcelona telephone 93 316 10 69

[email protected]

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