After two training sessions for popularizers of science as part of the “Rijeke znanja” project, Sunce’s representatives took part in a study trip to Slovenia.
The study trip included an inspection of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. NPP Krško is 50% Slovenia and 50% Croatia owned and covers 14% of electricity consumption in Croatia.
Although Sunce’s position is that nuclear power plants are high risk and that we should look for energy sources in renewable energy sources, the study trip allowed us to see the principle of operation of a nuclear power plant on the spot and to get to know the attitudes related to obtaining energy. Few people know that climate change also threatens the operation of nuclear power plants due to their need for cooling from nearby water sources. Drying reduces this possibility and thus the efficient operation of nuclear power plants.
In Ljubljana, we participated in workshops and presentations as part of the Hiše eksperimentov, i.e., the House of Experiments. It is a center for empowering society through curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and active problem-solving.
The last activity of the study trip was a visit to the Noordung Center – Herman Potočnik Space Technologies Center Noordung.
In the project, more training is planned for representatives of CSOs and the organization of workshops for children and scientific lectures in Split-Dalmatia county.
The study trip is part of the “Rijeke znanja” project, which is sponsored by the Croatian Natural Science Society, and the project funds were obtained as part of the call “Strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations for the Promotion of STEM” which was announced by the European Social Fund.
The goal of the “Rijeke znanja” project is to build the capacity of civil society organizations to implement science popularization activities, especially in the fields of physics, chemistry, and environmental protection. The project will educate future popularizers, while partner organizations in the project will improve their skills in the field of management.
In addition to the project holder, the Croatian Natural Science Society from Zagreb, the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Medicine, Croatian Chemical Society, Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce, Docendo discimus Association, Science Factory, Klikeraj Association, Association for the Promotion of Natural Sciences, Mediterran Institute – Association for Cultural and Scientific Study of the Mediterranean, Croatian Association for Information, Communication and Electronic Technology – MIPRO, and Karlovac Mixed Industrial and Craft School are part of the project.