Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EDUCATE (EDUcation about ClimATE change and polar science)
Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-05-31
Recent scientific evidence and reports of global temperature increases, sea level rise trends, extreme weather events, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels point to the strong presence of 'global climate change'. Unfortunately, the polar regions as the vital components of our planet for the regulation of the global climate system, are facing the consequences of climate change in a more pronounced way than other regions of the world with their melting ice sheets, retreating glaciers, and degraded ecosystems. Although it is obvious that mankind is responsible for this phenomenon through increasing industrial activities and carbon emissions, basic knowledge about climate change and the polar regions is limited among the general public. Public education and awareness of these issues are therefore essential to address this global challenge.
The main objective of this project is to raise awareness about the polar regions and global climate change and to promote the recognition of related research and researchers among the public (citizens, young students, teachers, etc.) by presenting their studies and results in an appropriate language, highlighting the impact of these studies on our world and daily life, and introducing researchers and their professions to create role models for the younger generation in a fun environment. Planned activities aim to increase public knowledge of the basic principles and methods of related polar and climate research, to improve understanding of the impacts of climate change and related research on our daily lives, and to explain to the public the importance and key benefits of this research. In addition, the project aims to increase citizens' interest in polar and climate research through students, young people, teachers, and government agencies, to break stereotypes about researchers (especially gender bias), and to provide information about the European Union and related opportunities.
The main objective of this project is to raise awareness about the polar regions and global climate change and to promote the recognition of related research and researchers among the public (citizens, young students, teachers, etc.) by presenting their studies and results in an appropriate language, highlighting the impact of these studies on our world and daily life, and introducing researchers and their professions to create role models for the younger generation in a fun environment. Planned activities aim to increase public knowledge of the basic principles and methods of related polar and climate research, to improve understanding of the impacts of climate change and related research on our daily lives, and to explain to the public the importance and key benefits of this research. In addition, the project aims to increase citizens' interest in polar and climate research through students, young people, teachers, and government agencies, to break stereotypes about researchers (especially gender bias), and to provide information about the European Union and related opportunities.
Within the scope of the awareness campaign of the project, promotional activities were carried out in order to increase participation in the activities by introducing the project. Firstly, a web page and social media accounts of the project were established and regular posts were started to be shared through these channels in order to promote the project and reach more people. In addition, through these tools, it is aimed to break the stereotype of scientists in society by sharing their photos from daily life outside their work environments. Researchers involved in the project visited schools at different educational levels, made presentations on polar regions and global climate change, introduced the project, and invited students to the event. In order to reach more people, announcements were made by hanging banners and posters in public areas in the cities where the events took place. In addition, official invitations to participate in project activities were sent to schools and government organizations. In addition, a painting competition on the theme of global climate change and polar regions was organized to raise awareness at primary and secondary school level. After the night activities, visits to schools and presentations continued.
On 30 September and 1 October 2022, European Researchers' Night was celebrated in Istanbul and Gaziantep simultaneously. In this context, science and society were brought together in a fun environment with different activities in the event areas. The event areas featured portraits of world-renowned scientists, striking photographs taken in polar regions, and exhibitions with the winning paintings from the project painting competition. Polar researchers from different institutions and scientific disciplines made presentations and interviews about their own studies and had the opportunity to explain their research topics to the public in a simple language and served as role models for students. Stands and workshops were established in the venues, where visitors had hands-on scientific experiences and had the chance to learn about the opportunities provided by European Union.
Before the main activity of the night, documentaries about the polar regions, the scientific research carried out there, and the changes experienced were broadcasted. Afterward, a quiz with prizes on the theme of polar regions and global climate change was organized. Finally, the night continued with concerts by well-known artists in two different cities. After the concert, the day was completed with night sky observations, and the activities continued the next day. During the events impact assessment studies were carried out by experts by conducting surveys with visitors of different ages in the event venues. Approximately a total of 50,000 people were reached with the project activities during two-day events.
The main achievements in the project can be described as follows:
• A knowledge and awareness of the polar regions, their importance for our world, global climate change, its possible future consequences, and how to mitigate these effects individually has been raised in society.
• The participants had the opportunity to get closer to science in a fun environment and to know researchers more closely. The project has contributed to the breakdown of the stereotype of scientists and prejudices about researchers in society.
• Considering that polar researchers come from different scientific disciplines, the project has helped young people to recognize different fields for the formation of role models in their career journeys.
• The participants learned about the European Union and provided opportunities for education.
On 30 September and 1 October 2022, European Researchers' Night was celebrated in Istanbul and Gaziantep simultaneously. In this context, science and society were brought together in a fun environment with different activities in the event areas. The event areas featured portraits of world-renowned scientists, striking photographs taken in polar regions, and exhibitions with the winning paintings from the project painting competition. Polar researchers from different institutions and scientific disciplines made presentations and interviews about their own studies and had the opportunity to explain their research topics to the public in a simple language and served as role models for students. Stands and workshops were established in the venues, where visitors had hands-on scientific experiences and had the chance to learn about the opportunities provided by European Union.
Before the main activity of the night, documentaries about the polar regions, the scientific research carried out there, and the changes experienced were broadcasted. Afterward, a quiz with prizes on the theme of polar regions and global climate change was organized. Finally, the night continued with concerts by well-known artists in two different cities. After the concert, the day was completed with night sky observations, and the activities continued the next day. During the events impact assessment studies were carried out by experts by conducting surveys with visitors of different ages in the event venues. Approximately a total of 50,000 people were reached with the project activities during two-day events.
The main achievements in the project can be described as follows:
• A knowledge and awareness of the polar regions, their importance for our world, global climate change, its possible future consequences, and how to mitigate these effects individually has been raised in society.
• The participants had the opportunity to get closer to science in a fun environment and to know researchers more closely. The project has contributed to the breakdown of the stereotype of scientists and prejudices about researchers in society.
• Considering that polar researchers come from different scientific disciplines, the project has helped young people to recognize different fields for the formation of role models in their career journeys.
• The participants learned about the European Union and provided opportunities for education.
Considering the adverse effects of global climate change, societies need to raise awareness and take measures. In this context, awareness-raising activities should be carried out starting from the young generation. EDUCATE has acted in line with this purpose from the writing phase of the project to its completion. Considering economical aspects and the aims of the project, a greater budget would increase the quality and the quantity of the events carried out, as well as, the project would reach more people.
The project included only Turkish partners where the potential impacts were limited to local. The inclusion of international partners throughout Europe may increase the impact and recognition of the project which addresses a global concern.
The project included only Turkish partners where the potential impacts were limited to local. The inclusion of international partners throughout Europe may increase the impact and recognition of the project which addresses a global concern.