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.
