On September 17th, I'll be attending Kharkiv's sixth "scientific picnic" - a festival of science and education that brings scientific and popular culture out into the open. Entrance and participated are free, and previous years have boasted an audience of more than 10,000 visitors.

The idea of a scientific picnic is to capture the public's imagination by popularizing science, with many professionals and enthusiasts explaining scientific phenomena in simple terms through spectacular public experiments. The format also allows the audience to directly engage in scientific activity - children and adults alike can get involved and conduct their own workshops, games, competitions.

A central theme of this event, which is close to my heart is that of inclusion: combating discrimination, inequality and negative stereotypes in science.

Once again, entrance to the festival is free, participation is free, and events running from 13: 00 - 17:00.

Participating organisations making this possible include Kharkiv City Council, Kharkiv City Youth Leisure Center, the Public Information and Analytical Center for Youth Development, Center Commons Perekotypolis, Detskaya ploschARTka, and the Centre of Gender Culture.