MERSCIN

The MERSCIN (International Mersin Science Night) project proposal sets out to host a European Researchers’ Night in the Turkish Mediterranean coastal city of Mersin. Sixteen participating organisations will take part - one Austrian and fifteen Turkish together with the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders comprising high level officials, universities and public figures. The main aims of the proposal are to increase public awareness about science and the work of researchers and to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public, to actively promote science and research as a vitally important and rewarding career path for the young generations participating and to instill greater environmental awareness in citizens and impart the need to protect dwindling local habitats from the ongoing mass urbanisation whilst also convincing the participating stakeholders of the same issues. Ultimately through hosting this event we would aim to create a platform formed by strong public opinion gained from the increase of awareness during the event, towards pressurising local governmental bodies towards the establishment of a Science Centre. The objectives will be achieved by exposing a large cross section of the public and in particularly schoolchildren and youths to a rich diversity of disciplines in science and by creating a festival spirit amongst participants. Because the European Researchers’ Night is a huge annual event in many European cities attendees will feel the excitement of being able to take part in this multi-national NIGHT, especially providing motivation for the young generations to become involved in science. The ability to host a Researchers’ Night event in Mersin would provide a range of benefits to this rapidly developing city which in recent years has seen a large population increase through immigration from easter Turkish cities and Syria.