Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, 2024, we were immersed in two days of science, but not just any science, but field-work science. We were part of the popularization event Weekend with SAV, which made its way from Bratislava to Trnava this year. The goal of this already traditional event was to bring the research and scientific work of SAS institutes closer to the broader public, to spark an interest in science among young people, and, crucially, to make a significant impact on science education and the future of the scientists of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

The accompanying program has been carefully prepared to appeal to children of various age categories, from the youngest to university students. As part of the event, there were demonstrations of scientific experiments in which children could actively participate, as well as lectures and conversations on exciting topics throughout the day. Lovers of Slovak music also got their money's worth because the early evening program on Friday ended with a band Hudba z Mars concert.

Our stand was equipped with interactive exhibits that allowed children and students to observe the various processes hidden behind individual exhibits, for example, powder metallurgy from A to Z, from the selection of powder to the sintering of the semi-finished product. Many were mainly interested in the products from our workshop, and they could see, for example, an engine holder or a rod for the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel, which is used in nuclear power plants in Slovakia.

Visitors had the opportunity to see the aluminum foaming process at our stand, and the more daring could try it themselves. Scientists at our SAV Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics use this technology to research and prototype many products, for example, for the automotive industry.

We showed the students a way of storing energy—capturing residual heat using a thermal battery. They also had the opportunity to learn more about our latest projects in ESA space research or hydrogen research, which is ongoing at our institute.

The event attracted many visitors of different age categories from Trnava and its surroundings. Children and students showed great interest in interactive stands and experiments, which made us very happy. Parents and teachers appreciated the educational value of the event and the opportunity to introduce children to scientific knowledge in a fun and accessible way, which confirmed the importance of popularizing science even outside the capital.

We are eagerly looking forward to the next editions of the Weekend with SAS in the regions, and we hope to see you there.