Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HUMANITIES ROCK (Humanities Rock! Human(e) to Animals – Science Covers Every Being!)
Période du rapport: 2023-04-11 au 2023-12-10
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.
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.
Throughout 2023, the HUMANITIES ROCK project made remarkable strides in promoting research and innovation, spotlighting their practical significance in everyday life. The European Researchers' Night (ERN) event marked a significant milestone, witnessing an impressive turnout of over 14,500 participants, showcasing a substantial surge from the previous year's attendance of 3,600. This pivotal event served as a nucleus for fostering direct engagement between researchers and the public, offering a diverse spectrum of activities like workshops, forums, and online discussions. The primary objective was to elevate public understanding and appreciation of scientific contributions across multifarious disciplines.
The project made significant strides in educational outreach. From February 1, 2023, to September 29, 2023, 37 researcher visits were organized across schools, kindergartens, and universities, engaging 34 researchers alongside 1,730 children, accompanied by 73 teachers. These visits catered specifically to the age groups involved, ensuring tailored and impactful interactions.
Furthermore, the main events saw a remarkable surge in participation, surpassing 14,500 attendees in 2023, indicating the project's efficacy in highlighting the tangible impacts of research on daily life. The project consistently reinforced the societal significance of both science and humanities, eliciting positive responses from the attendees.
Regarding outreach initiatives, the campaign in 2023 reached over 2 million people, significantly enhancing awareness of EU policies, research funding mechanisms, and the crucial importance of investments in research and innovation. This concerted effort substantially contributed to fostering a deeper understanding among the public of the broader implications of scientific pursuits.
Notably, the Slovenian Science Foundation bestowed the prestigious 2022 Prometej znanosti (Prometheus of Science) award upon the European Researchers’ Night – Humanities Rock! project, recognizing its excellence in science communication. This accolade underscores the project's exceptional achievements in effectively communicating science to a broader audience.
The project made significant strides in educational outreach. From February 1, 2023, to September 29, 2023, 37 researcher visits were organized across schools, kindergartens, and universities, engaging 34 researchers alongside 1,730 children, accompanied by 73 teachers. These visits catered specifically to the age groups involved, ensuring tailored and impactful interactions.
Furthermore, the main events saw a remarkable surge in participation, surpassing 14,500 attendees in 2023, indicating the project's efficacy in highlighting the tangible impacts of research on daily life. The project consistently reinforced the societal significance of both science and humanities, eliciting positive responses from the attendees.
Regarding outreach initiatives, the campaign in 2023 reached over 2 million people, significantly enhancing awareness of EU policies, research funding mechanisms, and the crucial importance of investments in research and innovation. This concerted effort substantially contributed to fostering a deeper understanding among the public of the broader implications of scientific pursuits.
Notably, the Slovenian Science Foundation bestowed the prestigious 2022 Prometej znanosti (Prometheus of Science) award upon the European Researchers’ Night – Humanities Rock! project, recognizing its excellence in science communication. This accolade underscores the project's exceptional achievements in effectively communicating science to a broader audience.
The ERN project contributed to:
- greater public awareness of the importance of research and innovation and a more positive general attitude toward their public funding,
- a better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society,
- reduction of stereotypes about researchers and their profession,
- long-term increase in the number of people entering research careers,
- increasing public recognition for individual researchers,
- reducing stigma about the humanities and social sciences,
- increasing the visibility of the various scientific fields,
- improving the employability of early career researchers,
- strengthening synergies with local institutions,
- better understanding of the European Union among the general public.
- greater public awareness of the importance of research and innovation and a more positive general attitude toward their public funding,
- a better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society,
- reduction of stereotypes about researchers and their profession,
- long-term increase in the number of people entering research careers,
- increasing public recognition for individual researchers,
- reducing stigma about the humanities and social sciences,
- increasing the visibility of the various scientific fields,
- improving the employability of early career researchers,
- strengthening synergies with local institutions,
- better understanding of the European Union among the general public.