Science at Aveiro · Science@Aveiro, General public and researchers – Closing the Gap.

Science@Aveiro, General public and researchers – Closing the Gap.

The European Researchers’ Night 2015 “Science at Aveiro” was dedicated to the theme “materials”. It intended enhancing the public recognition of the researchers and their work, pointing out the impact of research achievements on the citizens’ daily lives and well-being, presenting researchers as “ordinary people with an extraordinary job” and consequently stimulating young people‘s interest for science and for science careers. The activities addressed the public at large in all its components, with a strong focus on kids and young people, in particular those about facing a career choice. Activities offered took place in the city of Aveiro, centre of an industrial spot, diversified in terms of sector of activity and one of the most dynamics in Portugal. It is furthermore known as the city of research and innovation, as a consequence of the projects that have been developed in different areas and to his Innovative University (University of Aveiro). An intensive awareness campaign was undertaken, including the launch of an entitled “Competition 10th anniversary of Researchers’ Night”, involving categories on drawing, photography and video on the theme “Research is everywhere”; such competition addressed the general public but was mainly participated by students. A broad range of activities was offered to the attendees, amongst which hands-on experiments, interactions with researchers, science challenges, science quizzes, scientific cultural urban activity, scientific performances, presentations, interactive games, exhibitions, European corner… Although addressing, as referred to above, the general public, the programme offered specific aspects targeted at categories such as kids, teenagers, adults, teachers, parents, “ordinary people”, researchers, entrepreneurs, tourists, policy makers… The project was conducted by the University of Aveiro, Fábrica Ciência Viva Science Centre and Globaz, SA, with the support of Municipality of Aveiro, Association for Education and Valorisation of Aveiro Region and Group of Schools of Aveiro.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union