Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HUMANITIES ROCK (Humanities Rock! Research: Shaping the Future of Humanity)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-05-01 bis 2025-12-31
The European Researchers' Night – Humanities Rock! Research: Shaping the Future of Humanity is a two-year initiative (2024–2025) aimed at fostering public engagement with research, strengthening scientific literacy, and inspiring young people to explore research careers. As part of the Horizon Europe – MSCA and Citizens programme, the project responds to the growing need for greater public trust in science, with a special emphasis on the humanities and social sciences.
At a time when technological advancements and the spread of misinformation shape public discourse, the project highlights the critical role of research in addressing societal challenges. By showcasing the impact of research in fields such as history, linguistics, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, it emphasizes the relevance of the humanities and social sciences in understanding complex global issues, ethical dilemmas, and cultural transformations.
Through public events, school visits, media outreach, and digital engagement, the project aims to increase awareness of research’s impact on everyday life, foster trust in science through transparent discussions, and encourage students to pursue research careers—particularly in fields that are often overshadowed by STEM disciplines. By demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry, the initiative illustrates how collaboration between the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences contributes to solving critical societal challenges.
By making research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences, the project promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the humanities and social sciences while positioning them as essential to understanding and shaping the future of society.
At a time when technological advancements and the spread of misinformation shape public discourse, the project highlights the critical role of research in addressing societal challenges. By showcasing the impact of research in fields such as history, linguistics, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, it emphasizes the relevance of the humanities and social sciences in understanding complex global issues, ethical dilemmas, and cultural transformations.
Through public events, school visits, media outreach, and digital engagement, the project aims to increase awareness of research’s impact on everyday life, foster trust in science through transparent discussions, and encourage students to pursue research careers—particularly in fields that are often overshadowed by STEM disciplines. By demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry, the initiative illustrates how collaboration between the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences contributes to solving critical societal challenges.
By making research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences, the project promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the humanities and social sciences while positioning them as essential to understanding and shaping the future of society.
Since its official launch in May 2024, the European Researchers' Night – Humanities Rock! project has implemented a variety of activities to reach diverse audiences. These efforts have centered on school outreach, public science engagement, media visibility, and digital communication.
A major focus has been on collaborations with educational institutions, ensuring that students across Slovenia have direct access to researchers and insights into their work. This has been achieved through school visits, interactive workshops, and partnerships with secondary schools, kindergartens, and primary schools. These activities have helped students understand the relevance of research in addressing real-world challenges, while also encouraging them to consider research careers, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
The highlights of the project’s activities were the main events on September 27, 2024, and September 26, 2025, which took place at Center Rog and other locations in Ljubljana. These events featured interactive exhibitions, lectures, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions, allowing visitors to engage directly with researchers. The events received significant attention from Slovenian state television, national and regional radio stations, newspapers, and online media, helping to amplify the project’s message.
To further enhance outreach, the project has maintained a strong digital presence on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and a dedicated website. The use of paid and organic social media campaigns, developed in collaboration with an advertising agency, has significantly increased engagement, with videos and interactive content driving the highest levels of audience interaction. The video content featured researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, focusing on their relationship with science and their perspectives on artificial intelligence. A full-length event video documenting the main event in Ljubljana was also produced and widely shared.
Additionally, the project established partnerships with external institutions, media outlets, and other European Researchers' Night initiatives, ensuring broader European visibility and knowledge exchange.
In 2024, a key logistical success was the efficient management of the event relocation due to adverse weather conditions. The main event was relocated to Center Rog as a result of poor weather. The swift decision-making by the Project Management Team and the strong collaboration with Center Rog ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption to planned activities. Due to the suitability of the spaces at Center Rog for hosting a scientific bazaar, lectures, workshops, and concerts, the main event in 2025 was also held there.
Over the course of 2024 and 2025, the project made significant strides in increasing public engagement with research, strengthening trust in science, and highlighting the societal relevance of the humanities and social sciences. Through a variety of workshops, events, and outreach activities, it successfully brought research closer to diverse audiences, fostering curiosity and dialogue. The initiative also promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting researchers from different fields and creating opportunities for shared learning. By engaging both students and the wider public, the project inspired future generations of researchers and contributed to a broader understanding of the value of humanities and social sciences in society.
A major focus has been on collaborations with educational institutions, ensuring that students across Slovenia have direct access to researchers and insights into their work. This has been achieved through school visits, interactive workshops, and partnerships with secondary schools, kindergartens, and primary schools. These activities have helped students understand the relevance of research in addressing real-world challenges, while also encouraging them to consider research careers, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
The highlights of the project’s activities were the main events on September 27, 2024, and September 26, 2025, which took place at Center Rog and other locations in Ljubljana. These events featured interactive exhibitions, lectures, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions, allowing visitors to engage directly with researchers. The events received significant attention from Slovenian state television, national and regional radio stations, newspapers, and online media, helping to amplify the project’s message.
To further enhance outreach, the project has maintained a strong digital presence on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and a dedicated website. The use of paid and organic social media campaigns, developed in collaboration with an advertising agency, has significantly increased engagement, with videos and interactive content driving the highest levels of audience interaction. The video content featured researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, focusing on their relationship with science and their perspectives on artificial intelligence. A full-length event video documenting the main event in Ljubljana was also produced and widely shared.
Additionally, the project established partnerships with external institutions, media outlets, and other European Researchers' Night initiatives, ensuring broader European visibility and knowledge exchange.
In 2024, a key logistical success was the efficient management of the event relocation due to adverse weather conditions. The main event was relocated to Center Rog as a result of poor weather. The swift decision-making by the Project Management Team and the strong collaboration with Center Rog ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption to planned activities. Due to the suitability of the spaces at Center Rog for hosting a scientific bazaar, lectures, workshops, and concerts, the main event in 2025 was also held there.
Over the course of 2024 and 2025, the project made significant strides in increasing public engagement with research, strengthening trust in science, and highlighting the societal relevance of the humanities and social sciences. Through a variety of workshops, events, and outreach activities, it successfully brought research closer to diverse audiences, fostering curiosity and dialogue. The initiative also promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting researchers from different fields and creating opportunities for shared learning. By engaging both students and the wider public, the project inspired future generations of researchers and contributed to a broader understanding of the value of humanities and social sciences in society.
The project’s short-term impact includes raising awareness about research, fostering critical thinking, and increasing public trust in science. By engaging diverse audiences—including students, educators, policymakers, and the general public—it has helped promote informed decision-making and responsible use of scientific knowledge.
The long-term impact of the initiative lies in its contribution to research career development. By exposing students to different research fields, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, the project has encouraged new generations of scholars and researchers. Strengthening humanities research visibility within science communication and outreach initiatives also ensures greater public recognition of its societal importance.
Additionally, the project’s collaborations with schools, media, and European Researchers' Night partners have laid the groundwork for sustained engagement. The emphasis on critical thinking, misinformation awareness, and AI ethics will continue to influence discussions in education and policy development.
The long-term impact of the initiative lies in its contribution to research career development. By exposing students to different research fields, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, the project has encouraged new generations of scholars and researchers. Strengthening humanities research visibility within science communication and outreach initiatives also ensures greater public recognition of its societal importance.
Additionally, the project’s collaborations with schools, media, and European Researchers' Night partners have laid the groundwork for sustained engagement. The emphasis on critical thinking, misinformation awareness, and AI ethics will continue to influence discussions in education and policy development.