Fascinating World of Researchers in the Age of Technology - Alliance with Citizens

Project Information

FAWORIT 2022-2023

Grant agreement ID: 101061596

DOI

10.3030/101061596

Project closed

EC signature date 21 April 2022

Start date 1 April 2022

End date 31 March 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 296 625,00

Coordinated by

REGIONALIS INFORMACIOS ES FEJLESZTO TUDASKOZPONT KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG
Hungary

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FAWORIT 2022-2023 (Fascinating World of Researchers in the Age of Technology - Alliance with Citizens)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The main objectives of our project were to demystify science for students and the public, helping non-scientists better understand science and technology issues. Show how innovative solutions impact daily life, and present the researchers behind these innovations, highlighting their work, personalities, and hobbies. Involve young innovators to encourage scientific careers and increase awareness of research activities. Capture public interest and involvement in NIGHT programs, fostering a better understanding of research benefits. Finally, bring researchers closer to the public through various events.
We attracted this year more than 32.000 people (in 59 cities) more than 2459 researchers and we could reach more than 1,000,000 people.
The expected impact included demonstrating the societal influence of innovation, increasing public interest in responsible research, and enhancing the reputation of research organizations. It aims to make research accessible, show economic benefits, encourage youth, especially girls, into scientific careers, improve researchers' communication skills, and boost female researcher numbers. It also strengthens citizen engagement and outreach to all target groups.

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 Researchers' Night project targeted the general public, focusing particularly on young people aged 6-26 to influence career choices effectively. Special programs were created for girls and young innovators. Efforts were made to reach citizens across the country, including those in rural and less developed regions, through radio spots and special campaigns.
Key steps included revamping the brand and updating project websites, organizing events like Science Cafés, Europe Day, and the Girl Innovator Award. Over 100 publications and media appearances, webinars, and various other events were conducted to engage the public. A Green Fact online platform was also established to promote awareness of climate change and encourage student creativity in this area.
On the night of the event, activities were held at 14 locations in Budapest and 16 venues in 15 other cities, covering the entire country. Pre-recorded videos allowed for widespread and flexible viewing, while live-stream and hybrid events facilitated real-time interaction between researchers and attendees. Activities included demonstrations, career advice, interactive workshops, lectures, simulations, exhibitions, guided tours, lab visits, games, shows, and experiments. These efforts successfully captured public imagination and involvement, promoting scientific understanding and careers.

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)

By popularizing science and encouraging people to explore scientific research, our events can lead to the following outcomes:
New discoveries: Researchers' Night events can inspire young people to pursue careers in science and research. This can lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs in various fields, potentially advancing the state of the art and contributing to scientific progress.
Greater diversity in science: By encouraging more people to explore science and research, Researchers' Night events can help to increase diversity in the field.
Career opportunities: The NIGHT provided an opportunity for students and young researchers to learn about scientific career opportunities and meet those who have already successfully worked in this field. This can help young people understand what career opportunities are available to them and how they can progress in this industry.
Demonstrations: New industrial partners (e.g. Rolls-Royce) and people involved - especially young and female students - regardless of their educational level and scientific background, with a special focus on the fundamental European values and principles and notably those who do not have easy access to, and thus are less inclined to engage in, STEAM or research activities because of their social status or are disabled.
Internationalisation: Cooperation was established with other European Researchers’ Night projects in the form of common awareness raising. Collaboration between scientists and researchers from different countries can help to promote knowledge-sharing and foster the development of new ideas.

Air defence combat in practice at the Ludovika University of Public Service (2023)

Spectacular chemistry experiments at the University of Debrecen (2023)

Experiments at EGIS Pharmaceutical Company (2023)

Chemistry works at University of Sporon (2023)

Games and entertainment with modern IT tools at Obuda University (2023)

Chemistry at Night is also cool at the Eszterházy Károly Catholic University (2023)

Researchers' Night at Agora Science Centre (2023)

Experiments at University of Debrecen (2023)