Atom Pinoy launches first ever PSCF 2020, brings together science enthusiasts nationwide

PSCF 2020 with the theme “FACTS: Forwarding and Communicating Technology and Science for the Filipino People” takes place virtually from November 30 to December 14, 2020 and features webinars covering different branches of science, as well as various interactive activities.

“Ready na ba kayo, mga ka-Atom?” Science-communication organization Atom Pinoy launched the first ever Philippine Science Communication Festival (PSCF) 2020 last November 30, 2020 through an opening ceremony held last November 30, 2020 via Zoom and Facebook Live. Atom Pinoy opened the event to all science enthusiasts nationwide---from high school and college students to even professionals in various fields in science.

Hillary Diane Andales, 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge Winner and current student of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was invited as guest speaker for the opening program. She complimented the team behind PSCF for holding an event that is ‘first of its kind’ and for seeing the youth take more interest in the fields of science and technology.

In her talk on “A Crash Course in Science Communication and Changing People,” Andales stated her past experience in the field and shared her thoughts regarding the importance of science communication in the Philippines with a focus on the youth’s role in the matter.

“Science communication is the difference [between] life and death,” she said, pointing out the disaster of Supertyphoon Yolanda as a failure of government response to effectively communicate science concepts like the storm surge.

“In just a few hours,” Andale shared, “everything flipped upside down.” She said that if only the storm surge was communicated properly, then more people would have safely evacuated. Thus, she developed a strong interest in science communication and said that this could change the lives of people.

Andales also mentioned that the key goals of a science communicator are awareness, enjoyment, interest, opinions, and understanding. In addition, a good science communicator is someone who is excited about science, and knows how science works.

When asked about the situation of science communication in status quo, Andales stated the need to incite more excitement in the sciences, to see science in a ‘new light’, to amplify the voices of Filipino scientists, and to call for government support.

“Science communication is an act of changing people, you get to shift someone's mind about science, you change their lives," she said.

Steaming with passion and vigor, the participants of the opening night also learned about what’s in store for them this PSCF 2020. Atom Pinoy hosted four webinar sessions on the topics of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics, a quiz bee, and a TikTok challenge for teachers from November 30 to December 14, 2020.

For its closing ceremony, PSCF 2020 was graced with the presence of Hon. Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as guest speaker.

The Vice President mentioned how technology has made life easier today, citing innovations like the internet, mobile phones, and platforms for real-time disaster updates and how it has allowed citizens to “respond to the needs of society with greater speed and skill.”

“At its very best, technology is used as an instrument of service, to bring people together, and make bayanihan possible even in the most difficult times,” said VP Leni as she motions for the participants to “help intensify efforts in leveraging technology to serve better and reach more people, especially those most in need, as we create a fairer, kinder, more compassionate nation.”

Ending her speech, VP Leni said that she and the rest of her team are in unity with all the participants present in the closing ceremony in achieving the above mentioned aspiration.

The Aurum served as one of PSCF 2020’s partners alongside 31 other organizations and institutions that support Atom Pinoy’s cause of bringing science, technology, engineering, and the environment closer to the hearts of the Filipino community. Atom Pinoy is an organization centered on science communication as they believe in making scientific information accessible for the masses and inspiring young Filipinos to pursue careers in science.