The activities of “Contact Point” at FORTH is an original series of public discussions, each featuring a FORTH scientist and a distinguished artist. “Contact Point” brings Science and Culture into Creative Dialogue, fostering open and meaningful communication of science through art.

The second event of the series, entitled “And They Lived Happily Ever After: Ageing and Well-being” will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 20:00 at FORTH’s new Science and Cultural Center, located on the corner of Averof & Zografou Streets in Heraklion, Crete. Τhis discussion seeks to explore common ground between scientific research, storytelling, and the human experience.

In this special meeting, Sophia Madouvalou, author, and George Garinis, Professor of Genetics at the University of Crete and Collaborating Faculty Member at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of FORTH, will explore common ground between scientific research, storytelling, and the human experience. Ageing will be approached not only as a biological process but also as a human experience: How does the body grow old? How do stories age over time? And is there something almost “fairy-tale-like” about growing older?

The discussion will be open to the public and moderated by Anthi Strataki, coordinator of the epikoinonITE initiatives.

The promotional video of the event can be found here: https://youtu.be/aqTRkQtrsmk

Free admission (limited seating — first come, first served)

The event will also be live-streamed on the ground floor.

Special thanks to “Domaine Paterianakis” for their kind sponsorship.

With the SUPPORT of the Region of Crete and the Regional Development Fund of Crete.