Project description
Understanding science’s crucial role in shaping our planet’s future
Rising global temperatures, dwindling biodiversity, and pollution threaten the very fabric of our planet’s ecosystem. Climate change looms large, impacting health, livelihoods, and future generations. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the LEAF project will build upon its successful 2022 and 2023 NIGHT editions. Specifically, it will bridge the gap between science and society through 900 engaging events across 20 cities in Italy. Anchored in EU Green Deal principles, LEAF promotes accessibility and enjoyment of science for all. With a focus on schools, it fosters dialogue on climate change, sustainable development, and health. By empowering researchers to connect with communities, LEAF catalyses a profound understanding of science’s crucial role in shaping our planet’s future.
Objective
Starting from the encouraging results of the LEAF (heaL thE plAnet's Future) project in 2022 and 2023 NIGHT edition, we are now proposing a step forward to increase the awareness on the importance of research and innovation, to improve trust in the researcher's work by effectively involving the society in experimenting science through 900 events. All activities will cover EU Green Deal topics (Farm to Fork, Biodiversity, Circular economy, Zero-pollution, toxic-free environments, Health & Wellbeing, Energy and resource efficient buildings, secure energy, sustainable and smart mobility). The main goal is to make science accessible and fun to everyone, thus generating a practical understanding of how to cope with climate change issues. The LEAF project will be developed in 20 cities in Italy, involving 43 partners, 6 of which as Associated, with a series of events happening during the last week of September 2024 and 2025 thus including the NIGHT. LEAF 24-25 project will include a series of specific activities dedicated to schools to permit researchers to engage with teachers and pupils on challenges related to climate change, sustainable development, health and other issues related to the European Commission priorities such as the European Green Deal. In particular, in this edition we will reinforce the experience at school involving institutes located all around Italy and in particular in small towns with difficulties in reaching NIGHT events. First year will be devoted to fulfill the achievements reached in last editions while in 2025 our main goal will be the improvement of project KPIs thanks to the validation of the Researchers@Schools activity. The overall result will be a relevant increase in the awareness of why and how the researcher's work is relevant for the benefit of our current and future planet, as well as effectively encouraging young people in embarking in scientific careers by generating a real impact on science.
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support ActionsCoordinator
00044 Frascati
Italy