Project description DEENESFRITPL Bringing research to the public in Iceland Global problems such as climate change and the pandemic have highlighted the importance of scientific research in terms of finding solutions. At the same time, however, the amount of misinformation about science and research has increased. This is why it is important to inform the public about the key role researchers are playing in everyday life. With this in mind, the EU-funded Our Science 2021 project will organise the European Researchers’ Night in Iceland. The event will bring researchers closer to ordinary citizens to increase public awareness of research and innovation. The project will target children and young people to stimulate their interest in scientific careers. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective The impact of researchers' work on society and citizens has never been more apparent than now. Unprecedented challenges such as climate changes and fast-spreading global pandemic, calls for science to react - and the role of researchers is crucial. At the same time, there is an impending risk of loosing citizens' trust in science, due to increased amount of misinformation about science and research. Therefore, it is important to promote the key role that researchers have for the development and growth of our societies in a national and international context, and for keeping the public informed about critical challenges and scientific discoveries that have an impact on our daily lives. In Iceland, science has a crucial role to play in a society that relies to a great extent on nature and responsible use of natural resources, from renewable energy and sustainable blue growth to societal and cultural implications of living at the edge of the Arctic. In order to ensure and facilitate interaction with the public and society at large, the project Our Science aims to organise European Researchers Night in Iceland, inviting researchers to engage with the public to communicate their work, their passion and their findings in order to increase the awareness of research and innovation activities. The objective is to enhance a positive public perception of researchers by facilitiating an open and active dialogue between researchers and citizens of all ages, especially focusing on children and young people that could consider a career in research. In addition to higlighting the importance of researchers work, the initiative provides a rare opportunity for researchers to communicate directly with the public at all ages and even to involve citizens in the road to scientific discoveries, thus contributing to the transparency of their work and enhancing the attractiveness of scientific careers, which is instrumental in encouraging young people to embark on a career in science. Keywords Researchers science communication innovation science career citizen engagement global challenges Researchers' Night public awareness Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.5. - Specific support and policy actions Topic(s) MSCA-NIGHT-2020bis - European Researchers' Night Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2020bis See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CSA - Coordination and support action Coordinator RANNSOKNAMIDSTOD ISLANDS Net EU contribution € 110 000,00 Address BORGARTUNI 30 105 Reykjavik Iceland See on map Region Ísland Ísland Höfuðborgarsvæði Activity type Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 185 462,50
