The HUMANITIES ROCK! European Researchers' Night 2022-2023 builds on the University of Ljubljana's very successful 2018-19 and 2020 editions of the European Researchers' Night. The overall objective of the HUMANITIES ROCK! project remains the same, namely to bring research and researchers closer to the general public, to raise awareness of research and innovation activities, to increase public recognition of science and research education, to demonstrate the role of researchers for society and the economy, to showcase the impact of researchers' work on the daily lives of citizens, and to stimulate young people's interest in research and scientific careers by organising innovative activities to engage the public and break down the barrier between researchers and the general public.
As humanity faces an epidemic of science denialism and increasing distrust of scientists and researchers, caused in part by academics' limited willingness to engage with the general public, STEM and SSH will come together with the goal of bringing research and researchers to the forefront, creating direct lines of communication with the general public, and restoring credibility and trust in research and innovation, as well as in scientists and researchers, and promoting public recognition of science and research education. The 2022-23 edition has a broad theme of "Human(e) to Animals - Science Covers Every Being," demonstrating that research covers not only the needs of humans, but those of all living things, and successfully addresses global challenges at the human-animal interface. The proposed activities are aimed particularly at children, young people and science-reluctant people and include hands-on activities, workshops, exhibitions, science shows, games, theatre, and live chats with scientists that will take place in public places and research facilities that will open their doors to visitors.
The specific objectives of the 2022-23 edition are:
to increase citizen involvement in research and innovation,
to contribute to the dissemination and the promotion of cutting-edge research projects across Europe and beyond,
to strengthen the link between research and education,
to boost public recognition of science and research education,
to highlight the role of the researcher for the society and economy,
to stimulate young people’s interest for research and scientific careers,
to contribute to a better understanding of the European Union policies and programmes among the general public,
to build the capacities of the researchers involved in the ERN activities,
to increase the reputation and visibility of the participating organisations in terms of hosting excellent research projects among the general public and potential future students.
