All Aboard for Science: enjoy science on a train journey to Sóller

27/10/2023

Around 20 scientists from different public research institutes in the Balearic Islands have come together to organise All Aboard for Science, a unique activity within the framework of the 2023 Science and Innovation Week addressed to people of all ages looking to enjoy science aboard the emblematic Sóller Train. The event will take place on 11^th November and will include scientific mini talks aboard the train and different activities in Sóller.

This initiative aims to bring to the public the scientific work undertaken in laboratories in the Balearics, and to do so in a unique environment where highly significant cultural, ethnological and natural elements meet. The scientists will share their latest advances and knowledge in a series of mini talks aboard this antique wooden train, on a journey through the Tramuntana Mountain Range, a World Heritage Site. On arrival in Sóller, the public will get the chance to visit some of the area’s major cultural centres, including the Botanic Garden, the Maritime Museum and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences. The talks will resume on the return journey to Palma.

When and how?

The activity will take place on Saturday, 11^th November. At 10am, the train’s whistle will signal its departure from Ferrocarrils de Sóller station, in Plaza de España (Palma). The return journey from Sóller is scheduled for 4.30pm. Those who register for the visit to the Maritime Museum in Puerto de Sóller must take the tram from Sóller station.

The event is free and open to all

The activity is aimed at curious adventurers with a passion for science, who will learn about the scientific research undertaken in our region in an accessible and exciting way.

The event is free although attendees must register for tickets (please see the instructions below).

Attendees with special requirements are kindly asked to specify them in the relevant fields included in the form and inform the organising team sufficiently in advance, so that the necessary arrangements can be made (maximum up to 5 days before the event).

Recommended age: Although the talks are outreach activities, they are not suitable for children under 6.

Tickets

Don’t miss out on All Aboard for Science! Get your free tickets here. When you get to the station gate, you must exchange your tickets for an ID bracelet to be able to board the train and enjoy all complementary activities. Maximum number of attendees: 300. Book your tickets now!

Don’t miss out—book your tickets now!

How can I get tickets for the complementary activities?

If you would like to enjoy a guided tour of the Maritime Museum in Puerto de Sóller, please select the corresponding option when purchasing your tickets. Maximum 25 people.

No booking is required for visits to the Botanic Garden and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences. You will be asked to show your ticket or ID bracelet.

Programme

Talks aboard the Sóller Train

The programme will be announced shortly.

Please be aware that the talks may be given in Spanish or Catalan.

TRAIN TIMES:

10am Departure from Palma station. PLEASE NOTE: You must be at the station 30 minutes ahead of departure time to collect your ID bracelet and take your seat. The train will set off on time. Do not miss it!
10.45am Arrival in Sóller
4.30pm Departure from Sóller station
5.15pm Arrival in Palma.

Complementary activities: Visits to museums in Sóller and Puerto de Sóller

Between the outward and return journeys, those who participate in the All Aboard for Science adventure will get the chance to satisfy their curiosity by visiting some of the area’s major cultural centres, including the Botanic Garden, the Maritime Museum and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences.

SCHEDULE FOR COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES:

11am Self-guided tour of Sóller and visits to the museums
11am Departure to Puerto de Sóller (by tram). Only for those registered for the Maritime Museum guided tour
12pm Guided tour of the Maritime Museum (Puerto de Sóller)
3.30pm Last tram from Puerto de Sóller back to Sóller. Only for those registered for the Maritime Museum guided tour (please view the Tickets and tours section above for booking info)
4.30pm Departure from Sóller station.

Please note: Participants are kindly asked to be at the station 30 minutes ahead of all departure times.

Who organises this activity?

This activity has been jointly organised by the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), the Balearic Delegation of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) and the Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems.

Collaborators

This event is made possible thanks to the collaboration of Ferrocarril de Sóller, S. A.; MUCBO (comprising the Botanic Garden in Sóller and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences); the Maritime Museum of Majorca, and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Innovation). Participation of the following stakeholders has also been essential: the Balearic Islands Oceanographic Centre (COB, IEO-CSIC); the Balearic Unit of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME); the Balearic Islands Coastal Observation and Forecasting System (ICTS SOCIB); the Agro-Environmental and Water Economics Research Institute (INAGEA), and the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa).

30/10/2023 A scientific train journey, tours around IMEDEA and the premiere of a short documentary film: our activities for the 2023 Science and Innovation Week
12/10/2021 2021 Science and Technology Week at IMEDEA / Speed Dating with Scientists on the Sóller Train
Video: 'Science on track'
13/11/2021 Video: 'Scientific talks aboard the Sóller train (IB3-TV)