SCiC · Sparking Curiosity in Citizens and the Next Generation of Scientists

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Project objective

Sparking Curiosity in Citizens and the Next Generation of Scientists (SciC) advances the MSCA and Citizens mission to bring research and researchers closer to the public. The project targets communities with limited access to science education, resources and varying levels of scientific literacy, offering high-quality, hands-on learning and engagement with researchers. SciC focuses on two main goals. The first goal is the expansion of Merck KGaA’s Curiosity Cube (a solar-powered, 8 x 2.5 m mobile science lab that delivers STEM experiences for 8–13-year-olds). SciC will expand the Curiosity Cube to three new countries—Poland, Slovakia, and Serbia—through nine events reaching approximately 1,350 additional students. Additionally, it will extend the Curiosity Cube’s reach within existing EU countries by visiting 20 new schools, increasing new-school reach by 15% and engaging 3,000 additional students. Activities are supported by targeted school selection in underserved areas, localized curriculum translations, robust volunteer training, and end-to-end event logistics. The second goal is the hosting of two audience-centered and accessible Researchers’ Nights. The EMBL-led Researchers’ Nights will unite citizens and researchers around the theme of Curiosity through inclusive, multilingual, and sensory-friendly programming (e.g., hands-on “Curiosity Fair,” guided facility tours, creative co-productions, and immersive experiences). Across 2026–2027, SciC will build trust, broaden participation regardless of language or background, and strengthen the relevance of research to everyday life. Impact will be rigorously assessed via mixed-method evaluations.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• MERCK LIFE SCIENCE KGAA · DarmstadtCoordinatorGermany
• EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY · HeidelbergGermany

Links

• View on CORDIS
• DOI: 10.3030/101305255