Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Science Multiverse (SCIENCE MULTIVERSE - MEET THE HEROES OF THE RESEARCH COSMOS)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31
Science Multiverse invited the target audience to embark on an exciting journey of discovery with stops around different thematic universes from Horizon Europe Clusters of Pillar II. The project engaged the public in an adventure retrieved from superhero comic book characters. The proposed story was based on the idea of an epic battle led by the Science League Heroes, awakened by Captain ERA when six multidimensional portals to alternate dimensions open. The narrative aimed to promote and demonstrate the importance and benefits that research offers to society, demystify stereotypes and beliefs regarding researchers' lives and personalities, and expose the world clearly and attractively, encouraging younger audiences to embark on a research career. In the tale, the direction of science and research was altered by dark powers, and significant discoveries were prevented. Tragically, the multiverse is no longer recognisable, and everything that was taken for granted was destroyed. Help is at hand from the Science League Heroes. These heroes are expected to lead the various target groups on diverse missions. These delivered activities encouraged dialogue between researchers and the audience, advanced shared understanding of international and European agendas and priorities, and provided information about Horizon Europe's research and innovation missions, MSCA, research projects, etc. in a clear, simple, and concrete way. Science Multiverse offered an amazing and memorable experience by developing new learning-by-doing opportunities, encouraging curiosity about STEAM and research, demonstrating the significance of science and research for our lives, and bringing researchers and their work closer to citizens. The project created a thrilling journey to six thematic universes filled with useful and instructive activities full of enjoyment and knowledge. During both battles, the "Age of ERA" in 2022 and the "Science League Homecoming" in 2023, participants were challenged to confront their preconceptions in close contact with researchers and their work. Superheroes served as guides on their journey to each realm.
Using various formats, including practical stations, lectures, workshops, storytelling & plays, hands-on experiments, quizzes, simulations, games, workshops, and science talks, the main mission of the NIGHT was supplemented by several activities in schools and communities. Additionally, specific exploitation actions were implemented to ensure the sustainable use of the resources developed.
The overall action was built upon and successfully achieved the proposed specific objectives in line with the MSCA and Citizens’ ambitions.
Using various formats, including practical stations, lectures, workshops, storytelling & plays, hands-on experiments, quizzes, simulations, games, workshops, and science talks, the main mission of the NIGHT was supplemented by several activities in schools and communities. Additionally, specific exploitation actions were implemented to ensure the sustainable use of the resources developed.
The overall action was built upon and successfully achieved the proposed specific objectives in line with the MSCA and Citizens’ ambitions.
The project concept blended education and fun by involving users in a variety of interactive activities structured thematically by each universe. The project organised itself into independent but complementary building blocks to develop, deliver, and evaluate these activities, which include an awareness campaign, different actions in diverse settings, the main event (NIGHT), assessment activities and management. At the end, all activities were successfully implemented and contributed to the realisation of the proposed goals.
At the beginning of the project, the Science League characters were created together with the visual identity of the initiative which was then coherently used in all the promotional materials and resources developed. Communication channels and tools were revamped, and a comprehensive strategy for communication and dissemination was activated. This initial stage was also dedicated to setting open partnerships, gathering the interest of the main stakeholders, and engaging the target group in the project activities. Then, all conditions were ensured to start implementing the activities in schools (targeting teachers and students), research organisations (targeting researchers at different stages of their careers), and public spaces/cross-fertilization events (targeting families and the general public). Edutainment resources were developed and distributed, including podcasts and a stickers' book. The main event, the NIGHT, was successfully implemented, involving several workshops/hands-on experiments organized by multiverse arenas, lectures/debates (including digital influencers and MSCA-fellows), and many fun, exciting, and enjoyable activities. Welcoming speeches supplemented by molecular gastronomy and bar activities were also incorporated into the programme, together with a theatre play and guiding visits promoted by the Science League superheroes. All activities were closely monitored and assessed, and the project was effectively managed. All the envisaged results and outcomes of the project were achieved.
For audiences engaged and participants, the project contributed to increasing awareness of the importance of research and innovation and a more favourable general attitude towards its funding; fostering a better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society; tackling and reducing existing stereotypes about researchers and their profession; and increasing, in the long-term, the number of people opting for research careers.
For researchers, the project contributed to enhancing their opportunities to interact with citizens and local, regional and national authorities; improving their communication skills and competencies to interact with a non-research audience, notably with pupils and students.
For participating organisations, Science Multiverse contributed to increasing reputation and visibility; making researchers’ work more tangible, concrete, and accessible, thus opening research and science to all; improving outreach to all audiences, notably those who do not have easy access to science and research activities; and improving the communication of R&I results and activities to society, with increased and strengthened opportunities for citizens’ engagement.
At the beginning of the project, the Science League characters were created together with the visual identity of the initiative which was then coherently used in all the promotional materials and resources developed. Communication channels and tools were revamped, and a comprehensive strategy for communication and dissemination was activated. This initial stage was also dedicated to setting open partnerships, gathering the interest of the main stakeholders, and engaging the target group in the project activities. Then, all conditions were ensured to start implementing the activities in schools (targeting teachers and students), research organisations (targeting researchers at different stages of their careers), and public spaces/cross-fertilization events (targeting families and the general public). Edutainment resources were developed and distributed, including podcasts and a stickers' book. The main event, the NIGHT, was successfully implemented, involving several workshops/hands-on experiments organized by multiverse arenas, lectures/debates (including digital influencers and MSCA-fellows), and many fun, exciting, and enjoyable activities. Welcoming speeches supplemented by molecular gastronomy and bar activities were also incorporated into the programme, together with a theatre play and guiding visits promoted by the Science League superheroes. All activities were closely monitored and assessed, and the project was effectively managed. All the envisaged results and outcomes of the project were achieved.
For audiences engaged and participants, the project contributed to increasing awareness of the importance of research and innovation and a more favourable general attitude towards its funding; fostering a better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society; tackling and reducing existing stereotypes about researchers and their profession; and increasing, in the long-term, the number of people opting for research careers.
For researchers, the project contributed to enhancing their opportunities to interact with citizens and local, regional and national authorities; improving their communication skills and competencies to interact with a non-research audience, notably with pupils and students.
For participating organisations, Science Multiverse contributed to increasing reputation and visibility; making researchers’ work more tangible, concrete, and accessible, thus opening research and science to all; improving outreach to all audiences, notably those who do not have easy access to science and research activities; and improving the communication of R&I results and activities to society, with increased and strengthened opportunities for citizens’ engagement.
Overview of Results and Potential Impacts
The results achieved have demonstrated significant alignment wit the objectives of the European Researchers' Night (ERN), the MSCA and the Citizens, and the broader goals of the European Commission, especially those linked to research and innovation priorities.
The project has successfully dispelled myths and misconceptions about the lives and personalities of researchers. Showcasing the diverse backgrounds and interests of researchers helped to humanise them and make research careers more relatable and appealing to younger audiences. Interactive events, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations have played a pivotal role in this accomplishment. The project has also explicitly highlighted the value and advantages that research provides to society by illustrating real-world applications and benefits of scientific research. In addition to these accomplishments, the project has informed the public about the vital role of the EC in fostering innovation and scientific progress. It has demonstrated how research contributes to responding to societal challenges and has promoted the European Union’s missions in this domain.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
To ensure further uptake and success of the Science Multiverse project's outcomes, the team will continue to build on the generated findings and results, exploring new possibilities, especially in the context of science education and citizen science.
The results achieved have demonstrated significant alignment wit the objectives of the European Researchers' Night (ERN), the MSCA and the Citizens, and the broader goals of the European Commission, especially those linked to research and innovation priorities.
The project has successfully dispelled myths and misconceptions about the lives and personalities of researchers. Showcasing the diverse backgrounds and interests of researchers helped to humanise them and make research careers more relatable and appealing to younger audiences. Interactive events, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations have played a pivotal role in this accomplishment. The project has also explicitly highlighted the value and advantages that research provides to society by illustrating real-world applications and benefits of scientific research. In addition to these accomplishments, the project has informed the public about the vital role of the EC in fostering innovation and scientific progress. It has demonstrated how research contributes to responding to societal challenges and has promoted the European Union’s missions in this domain.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
To ensure further uptake and success of the Science Multiverse project's outcomes, the team will continue to build on the generated findings and results, exploring new possibilities, especially in the context of science education and citizen science.