On Friday, May 16th 2025, a unique science popularization event called #SciHill was held, attracting more than 6,000 preschool children, school pupils, students, and citizens.
Thanks to a longstanding successful collaboration, the Institute of Physics (IF), the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB), and the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb (PMF) joined forces this year on the “Science Hill”—a symbolic place where the past meets the future of science, innovation, and education—to launch a unique popular science event under the name #SciHill.
Science Hill, connecting the Zagreb streets of Horvatovac and Bijenička, is not merely a geographical location, but a vital hub of scientific and educational activity. For decades, it has been a place where knowledge and innovation have been developed to advance society as a whole.
The #SciHill event brought together two major popular science activities—Frizbijada and Day and Night at PMF—offering visitors the opportunity to explore the latest scientific achievements of the three host institutions.
A unique program for all age groups
From ultrafast physical processes to microbiological wonders, visitors experienced science in an interactive way through a wide range of workshops and demonstrations. These covered the broad spectrum of natural sciences researched by the three institutions located on Science Hill. The program was held in the laboratories of the Institute of Physics and PMF, as well as in outdoor research stations under tents spread across the meadows from Horvatovac all the way to Bijenička 46.
The daytime program included organized school group visits from 9 AM to 4 PM, with prior registration required, while the evening program—from 4 PM to 8 PM—offered a wealth of demonstrations that fascinated even the most demanding science enthusiasts.
SciHill 2025: Where science meets the future
At the heart of the event was a strong commitment to younger generations, who are essential to the future not only of these institutions but also of the broader academic and economic landscape of the Republic of Croatia. The organizers were particularly aware of the importance of vertical alignment within the education system—from elementary to higher education—as a key factor in developing professionals who will support and improve Croatia’s systems of education, science, and economy.
For young visitors, #SciHill was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get a firsthand look at the possibilities offered by a career in STEM fields. All this took place in a relaxed atmosphere where visitors, side by side with scientists, professors, and students, could perform interactive scientific experiments themselves.
