The WISENIGHT 2024–2025 project addresses the European need to strengthen public engagement with science, encourage more young people—especially girls—to pursue STEM careers, and raise awareness of major societal challenges such as climate change, health, and environmental sustainability. A core motivation is the persistent gender gap in scientific careers: women remain underrepresented across many disciplines, and girls often face cultural barriers and a lack of relatable role models. Recognising that direct encounters with inspiring researchers can be transformative, WISENIGHT creates engaging opportunities for citizens—particularly children and young people—to meet scientists in inspiring settings such as the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Planetarium of Brussels. Multiple activities demonstrate the relevance of science to everyday life and its contribution to addressing key EU priorities, including climate adaptation, cancer, sustainable cities, soil health, and ocean protection, while placing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in science at the heart of every strand of the project.
WISENIGHT combines interactive Researchers’ Night events with school-based activities designed to foster dialogue, experimentation, and hands-on discovery. A central feature across all activities is the active visibility of women in science: through Soapbox Science talks, the Meet Marie Curie and her Fellows, an art portrait exhibition of 42 women researchers, short videos and podcasts, and direct classroom visits by female scientists, the project systematically challenged gender stereotypes and positioned women as inspiring, diverse, and accessible role models for all participants. Exchanges with researchers—including many MSCA fellows—highlighted the impact of European Research and Innovation programmes while demonstrating that science is a fulfilling and open career path for everyone, regardless of gender or background.
The project is expected to increase public awareness and trust in science, inspire young people—especially girls—to consider scientific careers, promote a more inclusive image of researchers, and improve understanding of the role of research in addressing societal challenges. By placing women researchers at the forefront of every public interaction and designing activities that actively celebrate their contributions, WISENIGHT contributes to a more informed, engaged, and gender-equal Europe where research supports sustainable development and all citizens are empowered to shape the future.
