EXPLORATHON 2021 - European Researchers' Night in Scotland

Project Information

EXPLORATHON 2021

Grant agreement ID: 101036101

DOI

10.3030/101036101

Project closed

EC signature date 7 May 2021

Start date 1 May 2021

End date 28 February 2022

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 370 096,00

EU contribution

€ 209 606,00

Coordinated by

THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EXPLORATHON 2021 (EXPLORATHON 2021 - European Researchers' Night in Scotland)

Reporting period: 2021-05-01 to 2022-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

There is a common misconception amongst public audiences in Scotland that research is remote to them with research having no relevance to their lives. In particular, there is a lack of understanding about how research is funded and the role the European Commission plays in funding important research.

In addition, different audiences have misconceptions about who a researcher is, with a lack of awareness of the diversity of the research population and the activities they do.

These issues place challenges about how we ensure research reflects the needs of the communities they serve, and how we attract new researchers to this important career path. The project therefore sought to deliver a pan-Scotland edition of the NIGHT, utilising the latest blended delivery methods to create new opportunities online and in-person to bring the very latest research to Scottish publics in new and exciting ways to try and challenge these misconceptions. Our online programme for 2021 tried to take advantage of the expanded reach of digital events to attract existing and new audiences and create an expansive programme which allows researchers to engage with the public in longer-term and more meaningful ways. In addition, we wanted to upskill researchers in innovative digital engagement methods and delivery.

Our overarching objectives for the project were:
• Creating an accessible and stimulating digital and face-to-face programme to showcase the richness of our world-class research, increasing awareness of the importance and relevance of research in our lives.
• Raising confidence and capacity of researchers to undertake digital public engagement activities
• Reaching new audiences across Scotland in both geographically remote areas and digitally underserved.
• Showcasing the range of locations where research takes place (not just universities) and highlight the multi-disciplinary, collaborative nature of modern research, through the ambassadorial role of MSCA Fellows and EU projects.
• Exploring with our audiences the impact, relevance, and benefits of research and how public investment in research tackles real life local and global issues. Our headline was be Making Research Real!
• Showcasing the variety of research careers on offer to both upper primary and secondary aged school children who are beginning to consider their future education and career choices.
• Increase public understanding of the European Union and Scotland’s relationship within it; with a focus on the legacy of Horizon 2020 and the achievements of European Researchers Night in raising awareness.
• Challenge the perception of what a researcher does and who they are.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The following work was completed during the period:

1. An awareness campaign to promote Explorathon with potential researcher participants, to secure their participation in the NIGHT and associated events
2. An awareness campaign to raise awareness of Explorathon with audiences to ensure participation and attendance at events, reaching approximately 500,000 people
3. Delivery of a training programme for researchers to upskill and prepare for event delivery
4. Delivery of 81 events and resources reaching an estimated audience of almost 52,000 and involving 313 researchers
5. Reaching an estimated audience of more than 320,000 through associated social media and marketing activities to raise awareness of research and researchers
6. Execution of an evaluation process with event attendees and researchers for the events delivered
7. Management of the project to ensure good governance, delivery of events and financial control

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Explorathon 2021 continued its ongoing success in engaging public audiences in Scotland and beyond about research taking place in Scotland and being funded by the European Commission. With ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the programme was delivered mostly via digital means with a small number of face-to-face events where restrictions allowed.


Our project:

Reached new audiences:

In Scotland, postcode analysis of attendees suggests an attendee reach with audiences extending into Moray, the Highlands and Islands.

A more global reach than past projects, with online event attendees based in Spain, USA, Malta and the Philippines amongst other locations.

An estimated 11% of attendees were from the lowest two SIMD quintiles in Scotland.

The majority of attendees were aged 20-50.


Increased awareness and understanding about researchers, research and its societal relevance, and how it is funded:

Researchers funded via MSCA funds and other European funding took part in a number of events, with 19 researchers engaged.

Event attendees were 'research positive' after events, as highlighted in the qualitative analysis of comments received in feedback surveys.

The majority of event attendees indicated post event that they could or maybe could see themselves as a researcher in the future.

The majority of young people participating in school activities indicated that they felt more confident about doing science activities after attending.


Explorathon 2021 was a successful public engagement activity. Events attracted an audience in excess of 51,000. Partnerships with appropriate external organisations continued to benefit the project by allowing researchers to connect with different audiences. 82% of feedback responses indicated that they would like to attend a future Explorathon event. Participating researchers embraced the opportunity to engage via digital platforms and researchers particularly welcomed the training that was introduced for 2021.

Researchers preparing for a day of engaging with the public

Online presentation for public audience

Young people taking part in table top activities

Research group engaging with families at Aberdeen Science Centre

Researcher talking about marine life with young people

Researcher preparing to engage with community