2462 km • 10 countries in 17 days
From London to Pitesti, cycling across Europe to raise money for science education
A Romanian cyclist will cross Europe by bicycle in a mammoth journey to raise funds in support of the Romanian Science Festival (RSF), the largest festival of its kind in Romania.
Emil Cențiu’s journey of 2462 kilometers will take him through 10 countries: Britain, Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
The London-based software developer is scheduled to depart on Friday from Trafalgar Square, in the heart of London, and arrive in Pitesti on September 17, marking the fifth edition of the Romanian Science Festival, a press release sent to Universul.net said.
Ahead of the journey, the 25-year-old said: „I don’t think it’s a secret that the road to knowledge is paved with effort. This trip is an invitation to reflection, an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of an explorer, be it scientific or sporting.
“Just as an experiment requires meticulous preparation and many hours of work, this adventure will also put me to the test both physically, but especially mentally. However, just like in science, satisfaction comes with overcoming obstacles. Join us on this journey and let’s prove together that science is an adventure worth all the effort!”
He’s been involved in the since the first edition, when he was a student at Bristol University.
This year’s science festival takes place in September and October, in four Romanian counties: Argeș (September 18-21), Maramureș (September 18-22), Iași (October 2-5), and Cluj (October 11-13).
Emil Centiu is supported by a team of RSF volunteers who do the logistical aspects such as planning the route and booking accommodation, and securing supplies.
Oana Romocea, co-founder of Romanian Science Festival said: “The Romanian Science Festival was created with the aim of providing a platform through which any Romanian in the diaspora, who wants to contribute to supporting education in Romania, can do so in a meaningful way, offering expertise, volunteering or resources.”
“Emil is an outstanding example of this,” she added. “Within RSF, he not only brings his academic and professional expertise, but this year he has combined his passion for cycling with his desire to contribute to education. Emil is an inspiration to all of us in the RSF community. I am convinced that he will also be an inspiration to all the participants in our festival.”
Why this trip?
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education plays a crucial role in the development of young people, providing them with the skills needed for career and life success. However, many students in Romania, especially from disadvantaged, rural or small urban areas, do not have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to explore these areas.
The Romanian Science Festival aims to change this reality, organizing annual educational events and mentoring programs, bringing science closer to young people, through practical and non-formal methods, scientific workshops and mentoring programs.
Funds raised from this bike trip will help to:
Sponsorsh an RSF Caravan in rural areas: opportunities are considerably reduced for children living and studying in villages and small towns; therefore, RSF aims to attract 30-50% participation of this category of children. This year, RSF will reach 16 villages and small towns in four counties: Argeș, Maramureș, Cluj and Iași.
Purchase materials needed for experiments: Most participants in RSF events have never done a science experiment in their 12 years of school. RSF is their first opportunity to participate in hands-on science experiments
Expand the festival: organizing events in several counties in Romania. Each year RSF wants to add two more counties to the program of events.
Those interested can follow Emil’s journey on social media where there will be updates on his route and any challenges he faces.
People can also donate here:: https://diasporalocala.galantom.ro/p/emil
The Romanian Science Festival came from a desire to involve Romanian researchers and students from the academic diaspora in the Romanian education system in order to attract students to scientific disciplines.
Currently, RSF’s mentoring community consists of more than 150 mentors – Romanian students, researchers and professionals from the diaspora – who are involved in various activities of the Romanian Science Festival: science fairs, webinars, visits to online classes, competitions and mentoring programs. Every year, more and more young specialists from the diaspora join the initiative.
Since its launch in 2019, the Romanian Science Festival has brought science to over 200 schools in Romania and reached over 133,000 students from all social backgrounds.
www.romaniansciencefestival.ro
www.facebook.com/romaniansciencefestival
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