WiseNight is an initiative of 7 organisations involved in research, science outreach and gender equality in scientific careers in Belgium. Together, we aim for a society where science contribution to our planet’s well-being is valued by citizens and where researchers of all genders and backgrounds inspire the young to embrace scientific careers.
WiseNight is a fun and inclusive event bringing science and scientists in contact with the public interactively. It shows that science is about passion, teamwork and for anyone with an insatiable curiosity to discover and change the world. WiseNight is part of the European Researchers’ Night, taking place everywhere in Europe simultaneously. The event took place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September 2021 and invited everyone to marvel at the universe, explore the depths of water and oceans research, unearth the wonders of our lands and forests, and discover what being a scientist is all about. All activities were organised at two inspiring locations in Brussels, capital of the EU, the Museum and the Planetarium, which enabled for the discovery of historic and natural landmarks where research has been conducted for almost two centuries. Despite covid-19 restrictions still in place at the time of the event, participation was high and the feedback overwhelmingly positive.
With this project, Belgian Women in Science (BeWiSe) and its partners brought women researchers closer to the general public and stimulated more than 1000 participants' interest in scientific careers. Children 7-10, teenagers 10-14, and adults (families from all backgrounds, school teachers, science educators, early career and experienced researchers) took part in more than 20 activities including a debate and pitches with Marie Curie (MSCA) fellows from diverse disciplines, the science and stories about the Northern lights, workshops to build a windmill or a watermill, to extract the DNA of a banana skin, to cook sustainably, a demonstration of panic in a space weather room, the screening of the movie "Proxima" about a woman astronaut and her young daughter, the magic of electricity, a Rube-Goldberg machine, 2 VIP events in presence of Belgian and European officials...
Female researchers were pictured as passionate role models capable of inspiring girls and all activities demonstrated the value of gender diversity. WiseNIght’s use of French, Dutch and English is particularly relevant in the Brussels context and shows the richness of other diversity sources. At the EU4U booths, citizens of all ages also discovered the European Union's programme to support research and innovation, the Green Deal, Erasmus+ and other key actions.
Before, during and after the events, participants were encouraged to express how they picture scientists (quiz, sticker contests, online and on-the-spot surveys) and deconstruct stereotypes. Children’s drawings included both girls/women and boys/men pictured as scientists. The surveys provided valuable qualitative information on how adults perceive scientific studies and careers.
A strong visual identity (wisenight.eu) extensive use of social media helped spread the word about the events, as did articles in the Belgian and European press. Content and communication material developed for WiseNight (videos, podcasts, artistic portraits of women scientists) will continue to be used after the project to inspire the youth and stimulate girls and boys to study science and embrace scientific careers. Post-project exploitation of outputs is one of the main recommendations from the partners to the European Commission.
