The Environmental and Chemical Processes Laboratory (ECPL) of the UoC Chemistry Department welcomes the public to the Finokalia environmental monitoring station in Lasithi on Saturday June 21, 2025. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet researchers, and learn how scientific work on air pollution and climate change supports efforts to protect the environment. This event is a rare opportunity to see firsthand how long-term atmospheric research informs climate action and deepens our understanding of the natural world.

Festival Highlights:

• Open House: Visitors can tour the Finokalia station and discuss air pollution and climate change research with scientists (11:00–14:00).
• Science Demos: Engaging chemistry experiments titled “It’s not Magic, it’s Chemistry!” by the university’s outreach team.
• Interactive Activities: Educational games, painting, and discussions for all ages focused on the climate crisis.
• Presentations: Topics like atmospheric pollution, climate change, ocean-climate interaction, and more.
• European Project RESIsles: Encourages democratic participation on environmental matters in Cyprus, Malta, and Crete.
• Rebetiko Music Night: At the old elementary school in Nofalia with live performances by local musicians (starts at 21.00).

The program also includes stargazing sessions in the evening and thematic workshops

*The Finokalia Atmospheric Observatory was established in 1993 and is operated by the Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory of the University of Crete’s Chemistry Department. As a key Eastern Mediterranean background station, it provides long-term monitoring of greenhouse gases, aerosols, ozone, meteorology, particulate matter, trace gases, radon, deposition, and more. Finokalia supports international research through field campaigns and networks like ACTRIS, ICOS, and GAW, offering Trans‑National Access to researchers for targeted atmospheric studies