European Performing Science Night 2024

On September 27-28^th, the European Performing Science Night (EPSN) took place as part of the European Researchers' Night. The event blended performing arts with cutting-edge science and technology to promote scientific outreach and emphasize the impact of research on everyday life. Its goal was to bridge the gap between science and society by bringing researchers and their work closer to the public through an experimental and emotional approach, centred on art.

This initiative is led by Épica Foundation – La Fura dels Baus, with participation from the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), and the Computer Vision Center (CVC). This initiative aimed to foster an open dialogue between the humanities, science, technology, and society, encouraging insights into the future of both natural and artificial ecosystems.

The performance is a result of a workshop which gathered around 30 artists and researchers to create a multidisciplinary experience. CVC researchers Alejandro Pàrraga and Arslan Javed collaborated with the artists to explore the challenge around the role of "ugliness" in aesthetic judgment predictions.

After the performance, the performaforum provided a space for discussion, where both participants and the audience shared their thoughts. Fernando Vilariño, the Associate Director of the CVC, took part as a speaker, emphasizing how collaboration between artists and scientists can accelerate scientific progress. The forum further explored the themes addressed in the performance, underlining the importance of cross-disciplinary synergies for innovation and scientific understanding.

This event forms part of the European European Performing Science Program (EPSP), which the European Commission funds under GA 101162558.