Interview with Elena Grammatikopoulou — Ermionida Magazine

Interview with Elena Grammatikopoulou in Ermionida Magazine (issue 50, November 2024)

An exclusive interview with the creator of the Science Reactors Team & Co-organizer of the Kastellorizo Riddle Festival, who works in science communication, Eleni Grammatikopoulou.

Magazine and interview link: https://ermionidamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Er-Mag-50.pdf

1. As a champion of the sciences and of spreading them through activities in society, we'd like you to tell us how you started these activities at the National Hellenic Research Foundation, what the first one was and how the public responded to it.

I had the rare fortune to be hired at the National Hellenic Research Foundation. Very few employees have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in an environment of absolute job security and high standards, not only in terms of facilities and material resources for carrying out activities but mainly in terms of people with integrity and vision, whom one rarely finds gathered under the same roof.

Initially as an administrative executive and then (1993) as head of the 'Science and Society' programme, an ambitious programme and unprecedented for that era, I gained great experience in the field of science communication, a field unheard of or even novel for that time.

And here I must open a parenthesis:

In the founding charter of NHRF (1958) it was clearly stated that: NHRF organizes and/or funds seminars, educational programmes, conferences, publications ….. with the aim of disseminating and exploiting the scientific knowledge produced within it and generally contributing to the intellectual development of the country.

This activity had begun on the initiative of the late Professor Antonis Kontaratos (before '93) and continued with the warm support of the unforgettable Professor Konstantinos Sekeris in 1993.

Distinguished scientists from both the "hard" and the social/humanities sciences, researchers of international repute who have left their mark on their discipline, brought to life for 20 years the programmes "Open Doors", "Science and Society" … pioneering for our country.

Initially we designed cycles of weekly talks from the natural and human sciences, whose theme alternated every month.

The start was difficult, but it quickly brought positive results, with unexpected participation from the public that often exceeded the capacity of an amphitheatre (300 seats). A brief review of the 20 years: it surpassed 1000 Greek and foreign speakers, while its record includes 57 publications, 15 science documentaries, science festivals, conferences, anniversary exhibitions, activities for children and workshops for the training of students and educators.

2. How many different festivals have you created to combat scientific illiteracy and what exactly did they include?

Within the framework of the "Science and Society" programme we held two Research and Innovation festivals, which laid the foundations for the organization of the later large Athens Science Festival (which was also hosted in other cities of Greece and in Cyprus).

A decisive element for its organization was my long-standing collaboration with Anastasia Andritsou (British Council), as after my departure from NHRF she proposed that we work together on the design of this largest science event, which this year completed 10 years of life..

At the same time I contributed substantially to the collaboration of almost all the research centres so that we could organize the Researcher's Night in a coordinated way, within the framework of a large European programme, with particular impact in all the central cities of Greece.

There followed Pint o Science, an international festival originating from Imperial College, the highly pioneering Hub Science programme and other individual science events, always with one single goal: opening science to the general public.

3. How was "Stand up Science" created? Does it have greater acceptance from the public since it also combines humour?

The truth is that it was a rather "bold" venture that began in 2014. and this year completed 10 years.

But there were three decisive factors that led me to this decision:

o My long-standing involvement (since 1993) in the field of science communication – it brought me into contact with many distinguished scientists and made me realise the need to spread knowledge through a different way of "telling stories". Understandably, those who used humour, inventiveness and eloquence attracted the greatest public interest.

o My involvement in organising Famelab (British Council), an international competition to showcase new talent in science communication

o My love for Stand up Comedy

A successful combination that gave birth to Stand up Science. Its aim: to make science outward-looking, to redefine the image of the researcher/scientist and to approach science in a way that is accessible, understandable and above all humorous.

Taking part are Science Reactors, a group of young scientists with a talent for Science Communication, which is "built" gradually and constantly renewed. Today it numbers around 25 people. Since 2014, SR have been working collectively with the goal of sparking, in an entertaining way, the curiosity and love of science of a mainly young audience. So scientists take to the stage, turning difficult scientific topics into understandable stories. And above all, stories full of humour! And we achieve this through 3 activities:

Stand Up Science: A performance along the lines of Stand up Comedy, with interesting scientific topics that concern us every day.

Stand up Science kids, aimed at younger ages, and

Science on Stage, science theatre with a script written by researchers

4. Tell us a few words about your award with the Science Communication award – EPI2 2018

The truth is that at first I reacted negatively, since this award was established by the Athens Science Festival, an institution in whose "setting up" I had taken part from the start, I was a member of the Organising Committee and I contributed decisively to its continuation.

So I did not want it to be seen as a favour towards me, despite the fact that the responsible committee consisted of members who had no connection with the Festival.

It was certainly a recognition of my long-standing contribution to the field of science communication and of the role I had played in that direction.

5. Coming to the amazing Puzzle Festival at Kastellorizo we would like you to tell us how you started it, how the idea was created and how it became reality.

In 2019 my acquaintance and collaboration with Pantazis Choulis began. I was impressed by his love and passion for puzzles but also by his undivided interest in his island. So when, in 2021, I suggested to him that we organise an event exclusively for the students and teachers of the island, not only with his puzzles but also with science topics, he responded with joy. My motive was to activate/attract children's interest in science so that they would understand modern scientific developments and applications in a different, accessible and enjoyable way. We would ensure this with the contribution of young and talented scientists, and of Pantazis himself, who through his puzzles adopts this approach. And ultimately this proposal evolved into the 1st Puzzle Festival/Science Games and continued dynamically for 4 years, while in 2022 it moved to Patras and Athens with unexpected acceptance and an enthusiastic public turning up.

In addition, the acquaintance and dialogue that develop with remarkable people from Science and Art broaden their learning horizon. That is, after all, the reason why the PF is usually organised in October, when schools have opened and students/teachers are on the island.

The great success that the festival has had all these years has resulted in it winning the love and trust of the local community and becoming established as an institution.

Let me also point out one more notable reason: in this critical period, when the island cluster of Megisti is at the centre of significant geopolitical developments and, combined with the pressing need to support the population of our country's remote areas, the Festival boosts the morale of the residents and showcases, in the best possible way, the Greek identity of the region.

6. Do you think today's society embraces science? Have enough actions been taken by the state for us to reach the levels of abroad, where there are more activities and museums?

Society is particularly drawn to science events and related activities. This is proven by the huge turnout of the public (in the thousands) both at the Athens Science Festival and at the Researcher's Night, as well as at our own performances. In addition, the Puzzle Festival gathers students/teachers from Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Chalki and Athens.

The state does not play any significant role. Ministries and local bodies give their auspices and fund, on a case-by-case basis. Everything relies on private initiative.

7. We would like you to tell us about the documentaries and more generally the "marriage" of art and science, as well as about the events in Southern Italy.

At the National Hellenic Research Foundation, on my own proposal and with European funding, we made science documentaries on the research subject of its Institutes (3 in the sciences and 3 in the humanities), a documentary for the anniversary event marking 50 years since its founding, 1 documentary on the Theory of Relativity and some more on graffiti and science, music and space. But we also record all the puzzle festivals in half-hour videos so that the excellent images and moments from its activities remain unforgettable in time.

The myth that science and art are two completely separate and mutually conflicting worlds has long been overturned. Science and art are connected by more elements than we imagine! In this context we too wanted to give a different signal and contribute to science communication … otherwise. Over these 10 years we have gained many fanatical friends, we take part in all science events, we give our own performances while also collaborating with other forms (music, movement, graffiti).

Regarding my activity in the Greek-speaking villages of Southern Italy:

Through some acquaintances with "Greeks" of the area we made a first trip to Calabria and Apulia. The historians and philologists who took part proposed the creation of an association titled Magna Graecia. They proposed the position of President to me and so we started some activities. We organised informative events in Athens and in Southern Italy, we visited the areas with rich material (a copy of an ancient statue — a kind gift of the Ministry of Culture — books, etc.), traditional music and dance groups, etc. We had the fortunate coincidence of speaking with Greek professors and people who were trying to preserve the Griko dialect. And up to there… Afterwards everything faded, both for internal reasons and because of the difficulties that further continuation required. It takes money and time, as the saying goes.

8. What would you propose to the competent state bodies to do so that actions concerning science, like the Puzzle Festival, are better supported?

The encouraging element is that universities, research institutions and educational bodies now participate enthusiastically in the festival and support us by presenting original research programmes, while there are invitations from many cities to bring the festival to their place.

The State should understand the important role that the Puzzle Festival plays in this border region and support it financially. Auspices are fine, but greater financial support is also needed. A positive element is that this year some state "tap" has started to drip… The cost of organising is very high and constantly increasing. Fortunately there are private sponsors who are sensitised, participate and support…

9. Are you thinking of carrying out any new activities in the near future? If so, what are they and what will they concern

Besides continuing to organise the Kastellorizo Riddle Festival (KRF), our next goal is for the festival to take place in one more remote border region, Xanthi (4–6 April 2025), while the strengthening of Science Reactors, our cooperation with other organisations and our new shows are the focus of our next moves, with one sole motivation: to reveal “Another Face of Science”…