The “Journeys through art and science” initiative was launched in 2005 in the Science Communication department of the EURAC research centre in Bolzano with simple and – it is perhaps fair to say – predictable aims. These were to increase the profile of the work done by the scholars at EURAC in the fields of both natural and social sciences and raise public awareness of the connections between everyday life and research, which are not always clear and easy to perceive.  

The initiative stands out due to the unconventional paths taken and the communications channels chosen. The key concept behind it all is dialogue: exchanging and openly comparing ideas on an equal basis. Those participating in the dialogue change from one occasion to the next, as the journey weaves its way through various environments: first and foremost the worlds of art and pure research, but also the market, politics, the science communication network and more besides.

In terms of events and projects, this dialogue takes shape in artistic performances and exhibitions jointly put together by artists and researchers, as well as science cafés where experts and normal people can chat about scientific topics.

The singular location in the tower of the EURAC research centre building is another distinguishing feature. It shows how the project is “soaring” towards new challenges.