On 14 May 2011 the JRC site in Ispra will again open its doors to the public. After the highly successful Open Day in 2009 (with more than 8,000 participants), the 2011 Open Day promises to be even bigger and better. The day's programme will give more exposure to interesting laboratories with more interactive experiments as well as lively presentations, shows and entertainment for all age groups. Again, a special programme with scientific games and quizes will be prepared for kids.

Come along to see the latest JRC research - whether its climate change or renewable energies, nanotechnology or electronic passports, predicting floods/fires or ensuring food safety/quality - there's certainly something here for you!

In line with the 'Naturalmente' theme of the Open Day, we have paid special attention to ensure that we are environmentally friendly. Here are some examples:

• The eco-bags are made of 100% recycled material - PP, PET.
• The guide booklet is printed on recycled paper without chlorine.
• The maps are printed on recycled paper from sustainably managed forests.
• Gadgets awarded to children who participate in JRC activities are made from recycled material.
• The water bottles you received are made from non-toxic plastic 250/300, and can be used to take water from the fountains available onsite as well as afterwards from your local water supply.
• Today you can travel throughout the site in an electric bus.
• Food and drinks sold by the Pro Locos use materials from the local region, i.e. not transported long distances.
• The cutlery used are bio-plastic, i.e. made from vegetables.

These are just some of the small, but important, gestures to respect both our environment and community.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is a Directorate General (DG) of the European Commission serving the European Union (EU) as a whole. Its overall objective is to help create a safer, cleaner, healthier and more competitive Europe. The JRC coordinates and contributes to numerous EU-wide networks linking industry, universities and Member State institutes, as well as carrying out studies and experiments in its own laboratories on behalf of its customers and stakeholders. The JRC also participates in projects with a large range of partners in the Member States, and liaises with a variety of non-EU and global scientific and standard-setting bodies. This work embraces a broad spectrum of tasks: from establishing standards for healthcare product approval to identifying the sources of illicit nuclear materials; from improving the earthquake-resistance of buildings to detecting the presence of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in foodstuffs; from assessing the quality and sustainability of water resources, to satellite monitoring of land use and deforestation.

The JRC's Vision

The JRC's vision is to be a trusted provider of science-based policy options to EU policy makers to address key challenges facing our society, underpinned by internationally-recognised research.

The Mission of the JRC

The mission of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European Union policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.

The JRC Ispra in figures

Area of JRC site: 167ha

Km of roads: 36 km

Perimeter: 6 km

Heated buildings: 100

Total staff: 1408

Staff or external organisations: +/- 500

Annual visitors : +/- 55.000

Where

Joint Research Centre, European Commission,
Via Enrico Fermi, 2749
21027 Ispra (VA)

How to get there

Download the pdf

When

14 May, 2011 from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs (last entrance at 16:00 hrs)

Entrance requirements

Only for pre-registered visitors. Bring your personal ID + confirmation with bar code

Assistance

All JRC staff will be recognizable - just ask for assistance

Lost & Found

At the entrance

Water

Water fountains installed in specified areas (see map)

Refreshments

The 'proloco' Cadrezzate, Comerio, Ispra e Taino will sell food and beverages

Mobility

Free bus shuttle service available outside and inside the JRC site. Special transport available for disabled

Weather

Don't worry about the weather,
come rain or shine, it will be fine ☺

 Pets

 Entrance with pets is not allowed

More information

JRC Internal and External Communication Unit
21027 Ispra (VA), Italia
Tel. +39 0332 786400
Fax +39 0332 785409
JRC-Ispra-OpenDay [@] ec.europa.eu