Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCIENCE CASTLE (CONQUERING SCIENCE ENTHUSIASTS)
Reporting period: 2021-05-01 to 2021-12-31
A journey of discovery through Horizon Europe was possible thanks to the Science Castle - an adventure where participants chose what mission areas they wished to explore - and entailed the audience as much more than just “a visitor” - every visitor was an active participant involved in an open, informal, constructive and creative dialogue around the Horizon Europe priorities. Through activities that combined education and entertaining components, the audience had a better understanding of the important role of researchers and of the relevant changes that are taking place at a European level and in the research and innovation agendas. They also understood better the types of research careers and how they are exciting and can contribute to the development of the region, besides representing a career option full of potential.
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, WP1
A strategic set of communication tools, including both online and offline channels was planned and delivered by an experienced team of experts in order to reach the target groups the best possible way (messages and communication means wre adapted to the specific target audience). A special emphasis was given to the social media, the website of the project, to activities/competitions taking place in schools and research performing organisations and to special training events targeted to researchers. A strong communication, dissemination and exploitation plan was developed, and the website, social media and dissemination materials were created.
Considering the experience gathered in the coordination of the previous projects, the team will have developed a communication plan based on two phases: the first phase, taking place at an earlier moment, privileged a more digital communication and a second phase, more close to the date of the event based on written press, radio and TV. During the second phase, teaser events and competitions took place. Meetings and direct visits were additionally transversally organised during both phases.
ACTIVITIES DURING THE NIGHT, WP2
The ERN event was organised around the Missions defined in Horizon Europe. The space where the event took place was organised as a castle conquer. In each area, visitors could find activities adjusted to their profile (schools, families, citizens and researchers). The activities offered to the audience during the ERN were divided in two groups: schools and families (audience without scientific background) attended the event mainly during the first part of the event (day-time shift: 14h-19h) and citizens and researchers (audience with scientific background and/or interested in science) were the core audience of the second part of the event (night-time shift: 19h-00h). Complementing these activities, the programme also included a European Researchers’ Night Corner and exhibition stands available in both parts. Twitter also took place.
Activities performed during the day-time included hands-on experiments, educational workshops and exhibitions, demos, simulations, presentation of prototypes and games while activities organized during the night-time included science shows and cafés, quizzes and competitions and thematic sessions (conference). The main moments of the event were captured, and a video was produced and disseminated.
Supporting organisations, and particularly, the researchers’ teams of the research performing organisations involved in the project played a key role in the development of the events’ activities while showing their "human face" (they were accessible, in directed contact with the audience, easily “traceable”) and other facets besides the scientific one. Actions ensured that these players were actively involved as from the start of the preparatory works.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT, WP3
The Researcher´s Night event aims to reach a high number of entities such as, students, teachers, parents, businesses associations, research organizations, public authorities, foundations, schools and universities. Moreover, this event is actually the perfect place to exchange points of view, doubts, questions related to the researchers, their work and researcher’s involvement in the actual society. During the Science Castle - Researchers’ Night 2021 the participants’ level of satisfaction was measured and the following topics were analized:
• Socio-demographic data of the participants (gender, age group, place of residence, nationality, qualifications and occupation);
• Type of participation in the Event (time of visit, period, knowledge of the event, type of visit and participation motive);
• Assessment of the satisfaction with the event (satisfaction degree, evaluation of activities, and preferred actions);
• Potential impact of the event (change of the perception of the researchers as normal citizens, and recognition of their significant role in our society).
The chosen methodology has expressed 4 important levels:
• Level 1: Reaction (e.g. what participants thought about the event activities: level of satisfaction of the attendants, quality and interest of the activities, knowledge acquired, fun);
• Level 2: “Researcher’s Night” Objectives (e.g. did the event met the EC objectives for the initiative?);
• Level 3: Perception change (e.g. has the participants' perception of the researchers and their job and importance evolved as a result of the event?);
• Level 4: Results (e.g. main event achievements in the participants’ point of view).
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, WP4
RCL was in charge of overall administrative, legal, accounting and financial management of the project; interfaced with relevant EU services (reporting); and was responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the programme of activities, with cooperating bodies and sponsors. Main tasks included 1) lead WP and supervise project’s activities; 2) administrative-financial and technical management and coordination; 3) coordinate the involvement of cooperating bodies and sponsors; 4) monitor the accomplishment of the project outcomes and results; 5) monitor the delivery of the event; 6) host and organize the internal meetings with all the involved institutions; and 7) consensus based between all structures involved. Moreover, an external advisory group (comprising experts in financial/administrative issues) monitored the progress and provided guidance.
A strategic set of communication tools, including both online and offline channels was planned and delivered by an experienced team of experts in order to reach the target groups the best possible way (messages and communication means wre adapted to the specific target audience). A special emphasis was given to the social media, the website of the project, to activities/competitions taking place in schools and research performing organisations and to special training events targeted to researchers. A strong communication, dissemination and exploitation plan was developed, and the website, social media and dissemination materials were created.
Considering the experience gathered in the coordination of the previous projects, the team will have developed a communication plan based on two phases: the first phase, taking place at an earlier moment, privileged a more digital communication and a second phase, more close to the date of the event based on written press, radio and TV. During the second phase, teaser events and competitions took place. Meetings and direct visits were additionally transversally organised during both phases.
ACTIVITIES DURING THE NIGHT, WP2
The ERN event was organised around the Missions defined in Horizon Europe. The space where the event took place was organised as a castle conquer. In each area, visitors could find activities adjusted to their profile (schools, families, citizens and researchers). The activities offered to the audience during the ERN were divided in two groups: schools and families (audience without scientific background) attended the event mainly during the first part of the event (day-time shift: 14h-19h) and citizens and researchers (audience with scientific background and/or interested in science) were the core audience of the second part of the event (night-time shift: 19h-00h). Complementing these activities, the programme also included a European Researchers’ Night Corner and exhibition stands available in both parts. Twitter also took place.
Activities performed during the day-time included hands-on experiments, educational workshops and exhibitions, demos, simulations, presentation of prototypes and games while activities organized during the night-time included science shows and cafés, quizzes and competitions and thematic sessions (conference). The main moments of the event were captured, and a video was produced and disseminated.
Supporting organisations, and particularly, the researchers’ teams of the research performing organisations involved in the project played a key role in the development of the events’ activities while showing their "human face" (they were accessible, in directed contact with the audience, easily “traceable”) and other facets besides the scientific one. Actions ensured that these players were actively involved as from the start of the preparatory works.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT, WP3
The Researcher´s Night event aims to reach a high number of entities such as, students, teachers, parents, businesses associations, research organizations, public authorities, foundations, schools and universities. Moreover, this event is actually the perfect place to exchange points of view, doubts, questions related to the researchers, their work and researcher’s involvement in the actual society. During the Science Castle - Researchers’ Night 2021 the participants’ level of satisfaction was measured and the following topics were analized:
• Socio-demographic data of the participants (gender, age group, place of residence, nationality, qualifications and occupation);
• Type of participation in the Event (time of visit, period, knowledge of the event, type of visit and participation motive);
• Assessment of the satisfaction with the event (satisfaction degree, evaluation of activities, and preferred actions);
• Potential impact of the event (change of the perception of the researchers as normal citizens, and recognition of their significant role in our society).
The chosen methodology has expressed 4 important levels:
• Level 1: Reaction (e.g. what participants thought about the event activities: level of satisfaction of the attendants, quality and interest of the activities, knowledge acquired, fun);
• Level 2: “Researcher’s Night” Objectives (e.g. did the event met the EC objectives for the initiative?);
• Level 3: Perception change (e.g. has the participants' perception of the researchers and their job and importance evolved as a result of the event?);
• Level 4: Results (e.g. main event achievements in the participants’ point of view).
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, WP4
RCL was in charge of overall administrative, legal, accounting and financial management of the project; interfaced with relevant EU services (reporting); and was responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the programme of activities, with cooperating bodies and sponsors. Main tasks included 1) lead WP and supervise project’s activities; 2) administrative-financial and technical management and coordination; 3) coordinate the involvement of cooperating bodies and sponsors; 4) monitor the accomplishment of the project outcomes and results; 5) monitor the delivery of the event; 6) host and organize the internal meetings with all the involved institutions; and 7) consensus based between all structures involved. Moreover, an external advisory group (comprising experts in financial/administrative issues) monitored the progress and provided guidance.
The aim of the Science Castle - European Researcher’s Night 2021 was essentially the reinforcement of the public recognition of researchers and their vital role for the society. This event had a special focus in Horizon Europe. The Science Castle initiative employed fun activities to raise public awareness and appreciation of science and scientific process through a castle journey.
In line with the objectives of the Researchers´ Night, the event has gathered both experienced and early-stage researchers that were actively involved in all stages of the project. They were the center of all the activities since the beginning of the project, as they have acted as facilitators, animators and demonstrators.
The Science Castle project tackled the existing stereotypes of researchers and brought closer to one another researchers and public at large, especially young people, and fostered a better understanding of the central role of scientists and the benefits they bring to society.
In line with the objectives of the Researchers´ Night, the event has gathered both experienced and early-stage researchers that were actively involved in all stages of the project. They were the center of all the activities since the beginning of the project, as they have acted as facilitators, animators and demonstrators.
The Science Castle project tackled the existing stereotypes of researchers and brought closer to one another researchers and public at large, especially young people, and fostered a better understanding of the central role of scientists and the benefits they bring to society.