The 8th edition of European Volcano Night will take place on October 10, starting at 8:30 p.m., at the University of the Azores’ Scientific Complex in Ponta Delgada. The initiative, organized by IVAR and CIVISA, offers lectures, interactive activities, and an exhibition open to the public, highlighting the memory of the Fogo–Congro seismic-volcanic crisis that occurred about twenty years ago. The program also includes a lecture on “Volcanoes and Art,” an activity dedicated to the relationship between plants and volcanism, and the children’s workshop “Come monitor your volcano,” which will allow children to simulate an eruption. In this interview, Fátima Viveiros, associate professor at the University of the Azores and researcher at IVAR, explains the purpose of the initiative and the importance of bringing science closer to the Azorean community.

Correio dos Açores – What is the main purpose of this European Volcano Night, and what new features or interactive experiences are planned for the public this year?

Fátima Viveiros (associate professor at the University of the Azores and researcher at IVAR) – This is already the eighth event. We started in 2017 and only had one hiatus due to the pandemic. The primary objective is to bring the public closer to the world of volcanology and the scientific research conducted at IVAR, located at the University of the Azores. We live on volcanic islands and often receive information about seismic-volcanic crises: volcano ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’ is showing different activity. And, in a way, the goal is to demystify the terms of volcanology for the public and the community in general, what is done in terms of volcanology at the University of the Azores, what seismic-volcanic crises are, how we reach the conclusions we get, and even the doubts we have. Basically, it is about bringing scientific research in volcanology closer to the public. That is the main objective, always paying attention to different audiences, from children to seniors.

This year, we commemorate an event that occurred on the island of São Miguel approximately 20 years ago: the Fogo–Congro seismic-volcanic crisis. Those who were here remember well the sequence of earthquakes felt across much of the island, especially in the areas of Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca do Campo. We will revisit what happened at that time, tell the story of the Fogo volcano, and propose various activities related to seismic-volcanic crises, not only Fogo–Congro, but also more recent episodes in São Jorge and Terceira. In a way, the purpose is to get closer to the community and their doubts and daily experiences.

In addition, we will have other initiatives. A lecture on “Volcanoes and Art,” to reflect on how art has represented volcanology. An activity in partnership with the Faculty of Science and Technology that relates plants to volcanoes. Students and a professor from the Civil Protection degree program will lead a session on the connection between fires and volcanism, a topic we have long wanted to address. We are also continuing the activity “Test your breathing capacity,” about how certain chemicals can affect the body. Then we have the activity for children, “Come and monitor your volcano,” in which they engage in role-playing: they are the volcanologists on duty and receive signals to determine if the simulated volcano they are monitoring shows pre-eruptive signs that could lead to an eruption. And maybe, in the end, we will actually have an eruption. It will be a very fun activity for the kids, which I think almost all the grown-ups would also want to watch, and which reproduces, on a smaller scale, what we do every day at a volcanological observatory. It is a way of demonstrating the techniques we use and straightforwardly addressing the public’s questions. There will also be a small exhibition featuring records of our field activities that we would like to share.

How has the public responded in previous years, and, in your opinion, how do initiatives like this help to bring science closer to people’s everyday lives?

We have had a very good turnout, usually between 100 and 120 people, which makes us very happy. The more participants, the better. No registration is required, and people can park on the University campus from 8:30 p.m., as we already have permission from the rector’s office.

This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of volcanology. Today, there is a lot of misinformation. Although social media plays an important role in dissemination, it can also cause confusion. Here, the public has direct contact with researchers who work with real data daily and can ask any questions they desire. It has been an enriching experience for both parties: the public gets their questions answered, and we, on the scientific side, gain a better understanding of the population’s concerns. This helps us improve the way we communicate, whether in the news we publish or in other outreach activities.

These initiatives are essential for the population to understand our work and also for us to improve our practices. We must not forget that we live in volcanic areas and that understanding these phenomena is important for all of us.

Besides European Volcano Night, are there other events you would like to share?

This is the most direct initiative for the general public, the one where we open our doors every year. Sometimes, we hold more specific meetings, which we publicize on the University of the Azores website (ivar.uac.pt) and on our social media. It is also a way for the public to track our activities.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention that the lectures dedicated to the Fogo volcano and the relationship between art and volcanology will be broadcast online, so that they can reach not only the population of São Miguel, but also the other islands, within our technical capabilities.

Is there a message you would like to leave for those interested?

Come to the University of the Azores on October 10, starting at 8:30 p.m. All of this only makes sense if there is a population present. This is what motivates and drives us every year to prepare different activities.

Daniela Canha is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.