Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCIENCE4FUTURE-II (SCIENCE BUILDING THE FUTURE)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-04-01 do 2023-02-28
Science plays a major role in the development of a society. Despite this, the general population of Romania has little knowledge about the impact of research on all aspects of life. In this context, events that advertise science among the general public are very welcome. Another strong argument in favor of organizing the science popularization event is that this kind of events usually take place in major cities, while in small and medium towns they are very rare, so their population is missing the opportunity to discover science from a different perspective; in turn, this lack of information facilitates the occurrence of stereotypes about scientists and their work and about the usefulness of scientific research, which ultimately discourages young people to pursue a career in R&D. The main concept proposed for 2022/2023 is to reduce the passive presentation of what means to be a researcher, by involving the people directly in different interactive activities (workshops, games, competition, debates etc.). The project is constructed around three basic ideas: Future through past; Health and wealth through a clean environment; Economic development through technology and innovation. An important objective is also the future utilization of information gathered during the event, in order to enable cooperation between relevant actors that are committed to support scientific collaboration that may generate new opportunities for research and industry and new knowledge and know how that can be shared by confronting new ideas and viewpoints. Regarding the audience, the Dissemination Strategy will be directed towards various user groups, such as: the general public, especially young people, the scientific community, public institutions, NGOs, policy-makers, various associations, businesses etc. The partners have the complementary skills to assure the achievement of the project objectives and the future exploitation of the results. The main objective consists of bringing research and researchers closer to the public at large, to increase awareness of research and innovation activities and to boost public recognition of science and research education at European level. It will show the role researchers play in society and economy, as well as the impact of their work on the daily lives of the citizens. It also aims to raise the interest of young people in research and scientific careers. The event will address the general public, attracting people regardless of the level of their scientific background, with a specific focus on families, pupils, students, and notably those who do not have easy access to, and thus are less inclined to engage in, STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) or research activities. Inclusiveness should be key, in view of broadening access to science and research to all.
The project took place in five locations (Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Bistrita, Gheorgeni and Sighetu Marmației),with activities organized in key locations:Cluj-Napoca – esplanade near Cluj Arena; Iași – pedestrian area in the city centre; Bistrița – old town; Gheorgheni – UBB University Extension; Sighetu Marmației – UBB University Extension. The locations are a great space for organising this type of events, are easily accessible from all directions, and are a focal point for the cities’ citizens. Secondary venues were: shopping malls, public squares, pedestrian areas, factories, farms, schools, and universities. In the framework of the "Open Door Science" activity, presentations within participating institutions were organized during 3 hours (for each of the 3 modules).
To better understand what science is, who the scientists are and what their work stands for, we constructed the concept around three modules, each with their respective activities, as follows: 1. Future through past, focused on activities oriented towards preserving the culture and the social and economic development of the region through valorisation of the historic and cultural heritage, including cultural tourism.2. Health and wealth through a clean environment, with focus on research regarding rational exploitation of natural resources, especially water, soil, and air, and preservation of unique biological resources.3. Economic development through technology and innovation showcased the research in the fields of engineering, chemistry, and agricultural sciences.
As a result of a concerted awareness campaign, in the first year the actual number of participants to the event exceeded the predicted attendance by 16%. Moreover, during the year there have been organized events bringing together researchers and schools, providing a proper environment for information exchange and promoting science and research.
To better understand what science is, who the scientists are and what their work stands for, we constructed the concept around three modules, each with their respective activities, as follows: 1. Future through past, focused on activities oriented towards preserving the culture and the social and economic development of the region through valorisation of the historic and cultural heritage, including cultural tourism.2. Health and wealth through a clean environment, with focus on research regarding rational exploitation of natural resources, especially water, soil, and air, and preservation of unique biological resources.3. Economic development through technology and innovation showcased the research in the fields of engineering, chemistry, and agricultural sciences.
As a result of a concerted awareness campaign, in the first year the actual number of participants to the event exceeded the predicted attendance by 16%. Moreover, during the year there have been organized events bringing together researchers and schools, providing a proper environment for information exchange and promoting science and research.
The SCIENCE4FUTURE-II project aided the achievement of the following expected categories of impact:
- Increased awareness among the general public of the importance of research and innovation and more favorable general attitude towards its public funding;
- Better understand-ding of the key benefits that research brings to society;
- Reduction in the stereotypes about researchers and their profession;
- Increase, in the long term, of people taking up research careers;
- Better understand-ding of the European Union among the general public;
- Strengthen the connection between research and education.
- Increased awareness among the general public of the importance of research and innovation and more favorable general attitude towards its public funding;
- Better understand-ding of the key benefits that research brings to society;
- Reduction in the stereotypes about researchers and their profession;
- Increase, in the long term, of people taking up research careers;
- Better understand-ding of the European Union among the general public;
- Strengthen the connection between research and education.