Location

The city is the capital of the Upper Silesia region, historically famous for its many coal mines and heavy industry, but now a leading Polish city in terms of modern and innovative industries such as IT companies and startups. It comes as no surprise that Katowice is the European City of Science 2024. The EuroScience Association, which awards the ECS title, has recognized, among other things, the exemplary cooperation of the city authorities with the universities organizing the Silesian Science Festival KATOWICE, led by the initiator and leader of the event, the University of Silesia.

Since 2004, the prestigious title of European City of Science has been awarded every two years. The initiative's goal is to deepen the changes accompanying society's transformation in these cities and regions into a science society, to demonstrate the richness and diversity of the European scientific landscape, and to foster self-development, scientific integration, and interest in science among younger generations, as well as the development of European research without barriers, and to strengthen the European and international profile of the scientific community in the region.

The right to host the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in 2024 comes with the ECS title. This event occurs every two years and is dedicated to research and innovation that are critical to the world's future. ESOF Katowice 2024 will be one of the most prestigious science and technology events in the world.