Science showcase at the university

Hundreds of primary and secondary school students have visited the Expo Science Med 2006 at the university on guided educational tours.

Throughout the week, ESM will be welcoming thousands more, in the hope of kindling their interest and arousing their curiosity in science, by bringing science closer to them in an innovative and educational manner.

The Expo Science Med 2006 was officially opened at the university on Monday by Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications, who highlighted the significance of research and innovation as the key to a country's economic success.

Other speakers during the opening included Jean Clause Guiraudon, president of International Movement for Leisure in Science and Technology, an NGO working to make scientific research widely attractive, and Chris Ibbott, from the research directorate general at the European Commission.

With Fusion Expo being one of the main attractions at ESM this year, both spoke of fusion science as the potential answer to Europe's large scale energy needs.

The expo also welcomed US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro, who viewed the projects developed by students from the Mediterranean basin. She also visited the Fusion Expo, the Little Scientists' Village and the workshop areas.

ESM will remain open until Saturday. The opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Friday evening the expo will remain open for the Astronomical Night. On Saturday morning a special edition of Misrah Kola, the popular children's television programme, will be filmed on location.

The public is invited to attend the expo at anytime from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to view the projects on display and to participate in the fun event.