Researchers' Night reveals the surprising Transformations taking place in the world around us

This year, the whole world is marking the centenary of Franz Kafka's death, and many national and global events are paying tribute to his legacy. And this year's 19th Nations of Scientists is no exception. Kafka's short story Transformation, in which a man turns into a bug, may defy logic and the world of science somewhat, but science is full of metamorphoses. For example, are you curious about how the golden ratio transforms the world? You will be able to find out more at High School of Polytechnic Jihlava, which will offer a mathematical view of nature and art in one of its lectures during the Night of Scientists on Friday 27 September. "In addition, you will be able to observe the fascinating transformations that materials undergo during 3D printing, the technological transformations of the 4th industrial revolution that take place in the CP Factory, the transformations of simulation equipment used for teaching medical curricula and much more," says Mgr. Martina Tomšů, organizer of the Night of Scientists at the University of Applied Sciences.

A rich programme also awaits visitors literally across the street from the VŠPJ at Gymnasium Jihlava. In its lectures and science shows, the Jihlava Gymnasium will focus, for example, on the physical transformations associated with vibrations and waves, or the transformations that are responsible for earthworms. The Museum of the Jihlava Highlands will also take part in the Night of Scientists, where those interested in science will be able to learn more about, for example, changes in fauna or geological changes. The Jihlava Astronomical Society will also take part in the Night of Scientists in Jihlava this year after a one-year break, offering the opportunity to observe the Sun at the Gate of the Mother of God.

New this year, the Night of Scientists will try to attract children and those interested in science from the more remote parts of the Vysočina Region. "This year we are looking for a school whose pupils would be interested in coming to Jihlava to experience the Night of Scientists together with us. We offer them free transport to and from Jihlava. We would like to get the Night of Scientists to those who do not find it so easy to arrive in Jihlava on Friday evening, but still want to experience science together with their classmates and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Transformation. At the same time, we would like to motivate them to organize the Night of Scientists in their city next year," adds Martina Tomšů.

As in previous years, there will be no shortage of the House of Science Quiz Night Special. It will take place on Tuesday 23 September at the Workers' House Jihlava.

For the complete programme of the Night of Scientists in Jihlava, please visit www.nocvedcu.cz/jihlava.

Czech Scientists' Night is again this year part of European Researchers' Night, a pan-European event supported by the European Union to connect science and society and to increase young people's interest in science. European Researchers' Night takes place in 23 countries, with the Czech Researchers' Night being one of the most important in terms of scale. This year, the Night of Scientists was supported by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions programme with the METAMORPHOSIS project under the HORIZON-MSCA-2023-CITIZENS-01 call.