Ilia State University (ISU) was founded in 2006 as a result of a merger of six different academic institutions with long and varied histories. Currently, it is one of the leading research and educational institutions in Georgia. ISU is a rapidly developing university thanks to its innovative approaches in creating scientific and technological progress. The university is host of several public engagement events, such as Science Cafés and the Science Picnic.
Last September, ISU hosted a Mobile Nucleus activity to talk about one of the most problematic issues in Tbilisi, Georgia: air pollution. Currently, air is polluted with lead (Pb) due to poor management of cars in the city. In addition, low-quality baby toys are also polluted by this harmful substance, as is as the land where agricultural food is grown. This Mobile Nucleus event tackled the need to establish a dialogue with citizens regarding the serious nature of Georgia’s air pollution and the consequences of this pollution.
According to Nino Sharikadze, NUCLEUS Project Officer, policymakers need to learn more about the science behind this issue in order to propose sustainable solutions. Citizens can play a big role in catalyzing this process.
Through the Science Picnic methodology, ISU gathered stakeholders from different NUCLEUS cells to discuss this topic in an open-air environment. The plural society got a broader understanding about the poor air quality in the city. Since ISU’s mission is to create, transfer and apply knowledge for the purposes of scientific advancement and societal development both at local and international level, this event was considered a success.
For more information about the format or the results, please contact Nino Sharikadze.
