ERNEst21 · European Researchers' Night in Estonia

European Researchers' Night in Estonia

The main aim of the ERNEst21 was to highlight the most recent and important accomplishments of Estonian researchers in order to draw attention to the importance of the profession of a researcher. The Estonian Researchers’ Night also aimed to encourage young people to choose careers in research, engineering and STEAM-related areas, and to introduce these professions through numerous entertaining hands-on and minds-on activities. According to a review of the trends in PhD studies between 2006 and 2015 carried out by the Estonian Research Council and based on the data of Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the percentage of university students applying to study for a PhD (when compared to students enrolling in every other level of education) increased from 3.1% in 2006 to 5.5% in 2015, with the percentage of students graduating with a PhD as compared to with any other certificate also rose from 1.2% in 2006 to 2% in 2015 . This indicates that a career in science, to which a PhD degree is generally a prerequisite, has become more valued in society but continued work on highlighting relevant opportunities is required. Our intention was to organize a pan-European Researchers’ Night in Estonia in 2021, offering events in around 40 locations in Estonia, which is a country of about 1.3 million inhabitants and 79 local governments. In addition, to organize training sessions and pre-events for researchers to prepare them for engagement with the public during the ERNEst21 in September. ERNEst21 aimed at: 1) making efforts to enhance the public recognition and awareness of researchers and their work through the setting up of a direct contact between them and the public at large; 2) stressing the importance of science, in particular food science in enhancing people’s everyday lives, environment and health; 3) encouraging young people to embark on scientific careers in order to enable them to develop new skills and find fulfilling jobs; 4) demonstrating the pan-European nature of the European Researchers’ Night initiative by organizing joint online events with other ERN organizers from different parts of Europe; 5) giving scientists an opportunity to interact with the audience and introduce their work; 6) sparking people’s curiosity and interest toward science and improve their perceptions and attitudes towards science through various interesting and engaging events, which are either hands-on or carried out online; 7) reducing the stereotypes about researchers and their profession (e.g. gender, age, personality, etc.); 8) pointing out the essence of being a European citizen by setting up “EU corners” together with the European Commission Representation in Estonia. These EU corners will be run by specialists able to distribute the latest and the most relevant information about science-related opportunities offered by the European Union in an interactive way. Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows will be invited to share their experience via webinars at these corners, coordinated by the Estonian Young Academy of Sciences (EYAS).

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз