Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ReFocuS FLOW (Road to Friday of Science FLOWs)
Período documentado: 2024-05-01 hasta 2025-12-31
The ReFocuS FLOW project (Road to Friday of Science FLOWs) aimed to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of research and innovation (R&I) by bringing scientists closer to the public. In line with EU and UNESCO guidelines, all project activities addressed key societal challenges, including climate change, a sustainable future, and the objectives of the EU Green Deal and EU missions. Citizens were encouraged to take initiative and actively participate in achieving these goals.
The project centered on two main activities: European Researchers’ Night (ERN) and Researchers in Schools (RSA). The 2024 theme, “The FLOW of Knowledge,” focused on identifying societal and planetary challenges, introducing citizens to EU missions, and emphasizing that only joint action by scientists, citizens, industry, and local authorities can successfully achieve EU mission goals. The 2025 theme, “The FLOW of People,” showcased concrete solutions and the progress of ongoing EU missions, highlighting Europe’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
Activities took place in the capital, larger cities, smaller towns, and rural areas of Serbia, with special focus on students, families, and communities with limited access to R&I. Using engaging public formats, citizens interacted with scientific work, learning that R&I is for everyone and contributes to climate-neutral cities, clean water, and healthy food for present and future generations.
The expected impact of the project was to increase visibility of research and innovation in Serbia, raise citizens’ awareness of their role in EU goals, and inspire collective action toward a sustainable and prosperous society.
The project centered on two main activities: European Researchers’ Night (ERN) and Researchers in Schools (RSA). The 2024 theme, “The FLOW of Knowledge,” focused on identifying societal and planetary challenges, introducing citizens to EU missions, and emphasizing that only joint action by scientists, citizens, industry, and local authorities can successfully achieve EU mission goals. The 2025 theme, “The FLOW of People,” showcased concrete solutions and the progress of ongoing EU missions, highlighting Europe’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
Activities took place in the capital, larger cities, smaller towns, and rural areas of Serbia, with special focus on students, families, and communities with limited access to R&I. Using engaging public formats, citizens interacted with scientific work, learning that R&I is for everyone and contributes to climate-neutral cities, clean water, and healthy food for present and future generations.
The expected impact of the project was to increase visibility of research and innovation in Serbia, raise citizens’ awareness of their role in EU goals, and inspire collective action toward a sustainable and prosperous society.
In 2024, the project reached 67,550 visitors, primarily from Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac, with active participation from smaller towns and villages. 181 researchers participated in awareness campaigns, 502 researchers presented their work during ERN, and 37 researchers contributed to RSA. The program included workshops, quizzes, popular science presentations, videos, and interactive content, making science accessible and engaging.
In 2025, activities built on previous successes, emphasizing concrete solutions within EU missions. 86,350 visitors attended events, covering capital and larger cities as well as smaller towns to ensure broad participation. ERN involved 505 researchers and 435 students (undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels), while RSA included 61 researchers. Special attention was given to youth and communities with limited R&I access.
Outcomes: The project successfully connected scientists, institutions, and the public through interactive, inclusive, and multimedia approaches, promoting science and research and fostering greater citizen engagement.
In 2025, activities built on previous successes, emphasizing concrete solutions within EU missions. 86,350 visitors attended events, covering capital and larger cities as well as smaller towns to ensure broad participation. ERN involved 505 researchers and 435 students (undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels), while RSA included 61 researchers. Special attention was given to youth and communities with limited R&I access.
Outcomes: The project successfully connected scientists, institutions, and the public through interactive, inclusive, and multimedia approaches, promoting science and research and fostering greater citizen engagement.
The project advanced public understanding of R&I and demonstrated practical applications of scientific results within EU missions. Beyond societal and educational impacts, the project highlighted the need for:
Further research and demonstration of scientific outcomes in local communities.
Increased access to R&I resources in smaller towns and rural areas.
Support for commercialization and internationalization of scientific results.
Development of inclusive programs integrating science and education.
Results overview: The project increased young people’s interest in science, encouraged visitor participation in future events, and demonstrated the effectiveness of connecting scientists, institutions, and the public through inclusive and multimedia approaches.
Further research and demonstration of scientific outcomes in local communities.
Increased access to R&I resources in smaller towns and rural areas.
Support for commercialization and internationalization of scientific results.
Development of inclusive programs integrating science and education.
Results overview: The project increased young people’s interest in science, encouraged visitor participation in future events, and demonstrated the effectiveness of connecting scientists, institutions, and the public through inclusive and multimedia approaches.