Cork Discovers · Learn, Live, Love Research

Cork Discovers: Learn, Live, Love Research

Cork Discovers is a series of free and exciting interactive events for all ages taking place in venues across Cork City in 2018 and 2019 as part of European Researchers Night. The event aims to showcase research in fun, creative ways and promote engagement between researchers and the public. The 2018 and 2019 events featured interactive events with topics ranging from Archaeology to Zoology. There were over 100 researchers involved each year. The event is organised and run by the Cork Discovers consortium. Cork is Ireland’s largest county and has a population of over half-a-million people. It is home University College Cork (UCC), the project coordinator, which sits in the heart of Cork and is ideally located to attract people from throughout the region. Its research strengths, as well as that of its consortium partner Teagasc, are closely linked to the local economy and community interests. This research has been the basis for a programme of outreach activities that are of relevance and interest to the local community including themes such as Marine, Technology, Health, Agriculture & Food, Environment and Cultural Heritage. UCC and Teagasc was supported in running the project by Cork City Council, the largest local authority in the region with extensive local knowledge and networks, and by UCC Academy Limited, a project management company with expertise in outreach and research communication. The project objectives are as follows: o Organise a fun outreach event in Cork showcasing the work of over 100 researchers each year. The consortium will organise an ERN in 2018 & 2019 which will span more than 6 venues throughout the city and will target an audience throughout Cork City and County; o Increase awareness of exciting research being carried out in Cork and the impact it has on the local economy and daily life; o Encourage engagement between researchers and the public in Cork. The Cork Discovers programme comprises interactive events such as workshops, forums and Q&A sessions which will promote dialogue between researchers and their audience. This will help the public to get to know the enthusiastic and passionate people behind the research, breaking down common stereotypes. o Encourage young people in Cork to pursue research careers. Emphasis will be placed on engaging young people in Cork with a view to promoting research as a career option both inside and outside of academia.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union