74 INTE RNA TION AL INNO V A TION AND SCIENCE WEEK IN GEORGIA I n 2016 Georgian cultural and scientific life was marked by its own International Innovation and Science Week, initia- ted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. It was a significant event that involved most state and private scientific institutions all over the country, including the Geor- gian National Museum. A presentation of a hominin created according to a comple- te skull from the Dmanisi archaeological site was held at the S. Janashia Museum. The famous paleo-artist, John A nthony Gurche reproduced the likeness, funded by the Georgian com- munications company, Silknet. The Scientific Cafés of the S. Janashia Museum of Georgia and the I. Grishasvhili Tbilisi History Museum hosted public lec- tures by internationally known Georgian scientists Zaal Kokaia, David Lordkipanidze, Darejan Kacharava, Ermile Magradze, Zu- rab Makharadze and Nino Kalandadze as well as John Anthon y Gurche who presented the process of reconstruction and mo- deling of ancient humans. The We ek opened on the International Day of Science – No- vember 10 – and closed on November 17 on the International Day of Students with a presentation at the Georgian National Museum of a new exhibit, Alexander Kartvli– Georgian Genius of American Aviation. The exhibit was dedicated to a pioneer of American aviation, Alexander Kartvelishvili, who was sent to France by the democratic government of Georgia (1918-1921) to study aviation. He never return ed to his country, due to the Bolshevik Revolu tion. However, he has r emained a great exam- ple for later generations, showing the key role that learning and dedication play in achieving life’s dreams. Georgia’s first International Innovation and Science Week be- came the foundation for future science festivals. EVENTS > Natia Likokeli Edinburgh became the city of science when it hosted the first Edinburgh Internationa l Science Festival in April 1989. Initially the project had many opponents who doubted whether science could be packaged in an arts format. The festival became a success, howev er, and since then such events have been held in many countries, and are often the most prestigious events of the year.