Macaronesia's Researchers' Night

ended

Macaronesia is a biogeographical region of five archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean of which four are inhabited: Azores (Portugal), Canarias (Spain), Madeira (Portugal) and Cape Verde (Cape Verde). These islands share common geographical traits and challenges, and have undergone a similar history since the beginning of the 15th century when they were discovered by Portuguese and Spanish sailors. Once major strategic outposts now they are the Outermost Regions of the EU (except Cape Verde, which declared its independence from Portugal in 1975). The population of Macaronesia is around 3 million inhabitants, corresponding to the size of a smaller EU country. The overall objective of this project is to organise a shared Researchers’ Night for the Macaronesia Region connecting the population of these remote islands under the umbrella of the universal language of science. MacaroNight II aims at creating overall public awareness of science, research and innovation, especially in areas where the Region has outstanding performance even by international comparison. The main theme for MacaroNight 2020 will be a “Window to the Atlantic” creating visibility the work of scientists who are in the frontline of the battle fought against global environmental challenges working in some of the most vulnerable ecosystems of the world. By increasing visibility and international recognition of the work of scientists from the region MacaroNight II will have long-lasting beneficial impacts that could extend beyond the immediate objectives of the project.