ENGAGE · European researchers' Night in Cyprus: the diGitAl and Green Age

European researchers' Night in Cyprus: the diGitAl and Green Age

The ENGAGE project aimed at organising a European Researchers' Night (ERN) in Nicosia, Cyprus on the 24th of September 2021. The theme of the event, the green and digital age, focused on the transition towards a green world led by the European Union (EU) through the European Green Deal, in a new decade where the digital transition is well under way and more prominent than ever before as addressed in the European Digital Strategy. Having coordinated the organisation of the ERN events in Cyprus since 2006,the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), built on the experience accumulated over the years and established collaboration with local Research and Innovation (R&I) stakeholders from the academia, the public sector, industry as well as other actors in civil society to make the event a success. The project's main objective was to mobilise and actively engage researchers in a quest to increase awareness of research and innovation activities by bringing them closer to the wider public. ENGAGE additionally sought to raise the public's awareness regarding the latest R&I achievements in Cyprus and the EU, creating an understanding of the benefits and impact of researchers' work on citizens' daily life, whilst at the same time reducing stereotypes about researchers and encouraging young people to embark on research careers. The target audience for the event was the public at large, attracting people regardless of their age, gender or scientific background, with a special focus on families, pupils and students. Activities brought together the public and researchers from all sectors and disciplines, and included side events such as a European Corner Roadshow in the main cities of Cyprus and a main hybrid event with an online exhibition area, virtual tours of labs, a live science communication competition for students as well as a digital concert to conclude festivities. The main conclusion to be drawn from the activities performed during the event is that the main goal was achieved that was to bring the researchers closer to the general public and to raise awareness about the research and innovation developments undertaken at national and EU level while boosting knowledge about the benefits of science to society in order to stimulate the interest in research careers, especially among young people.

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