ERN 2021 SVK · Science Festival European Researchers? Night 2021 in Slovakia
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-06-01 → 2021-12-31
- EU contribution
- €224,950
- Participants
- 4
- Scheme
- CSA
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Science Festival European Researchers? Night 2021 in Slovakia
The ERN addresses several issues: • Insufficient appreciation of scientists and researchers among people; • lack of awareness about researchers´ work, its content and its contribution to our everyday lives; • low interest of young people and students in science and lack of interest in studying STEM majors and brain-drain from Slovakia; • insufficient connection between research sector, business and education. • The ERN provides a platform for presenting the opportunities and perks that research careers has and can offer. Due to existing stereotypes and lack of information on the work of scientists, there is low support and trust of ordinary people in research and its contribution to everyday lives and society. In a popular and entertaining way it reduces stereotypes and contributes to discussion on science and its benefits among general public. It connects all relevant stakeholders from research and education, and it provides a space for their interaction and networking. The ERN 2021 had following objectives that were achieved by interactive and understandable program: • Bringing researchers closer to citizens and raising awareness about RDI activities; • Supporting the recognition of researchers among broad public; • Creating an understanding of the impact of researchers´ work on citizens´ everyday life; • Encouraging young people to embark on research career; Focusing on these goals, the ERN is established science popularization project in Slovakia and its 15th edition attracted thousands of participants and viewers and provided a program covering the whole country, including remote areas. The long-term impact since its establishment in 2007 in Slovakia can be noticeable – it has a base of researchers and visitors (including teachers and schools) that participate every year and make up the ERN community. The impact of the ERN is: • Increased awareness among the general public of the importance of research and innovation and more favourable general attitude towards its public funding. • Better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society. • Reduction of the stereotypes about researchers and their profession. • Increase, in the long term, of people taking up research careers.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
European Researchers Night is the biggest science festival for broad public organised in Slovakia. Every year, it gathers researchers from all over the country who meet with people and science enthusiasts in unusual places outside of laboratories and universities. The whole-day program of the ERN is organised in shopping malls and in an Old Market Hall that is accessible and available for free to all citizens. Festival attracts visitors of all age categories and provides varied program from different fields of science and innovation. Science and the work of researchers is presented through interactive formats, activities, competitions, quizzes, discussions, and presentations. Thousands of visitors attend the ERN in Slovakia every year including the whole classes of students that engage in various program activities. Thanks to informal atmosphere and interactive formats, visitors have a unique opportunity to approach scientists, ask them questions and experience science. The ERN also brings science to schools via Scientific Courier that will consist of scientific kits for teachers and pupils. The science festival aims to be inclusive, providing equal opportunities to citizens and students all over the country to participate in the program. The main motto - Try it! It is science! - calls visitors and students to action aiming to engage them in hands-on science and experiments. It will instigate their interest in exploring and further knowledge seeking. Experience based on demonstrations and direct interaction is crucial in the dominant world of online information and digital communication. The ERN traditionally reflects the current topics so the 2021 edition will include topic of post-COVID society and recovery and the importance of science and innovation in this process. Environmental topics and climate-related challenges will also be important part of the science festival and they will also be present in the eco-friendly organisation of the science festival.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union