Reconnecting Science with the Blue Society - Blue-connect 2.0

Projektinformationen

Blue-connect 2.0

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101162569

DOI

10.3030/101162569

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 27 Mai 2024

Startdatum 1 Juni 2024

Enddatum 31 Dezember 2025

Finanziert unter

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 349 423,20

Koordiniert durch

SVEUCILISTE U SPLITU
Croatia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Blue-connect 2.0 (Reconnecting Science with the Blue Society - Blue-connect 2.0)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-06-01 bis 2025-12-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Built upon the legacy of the original Blue-connect project, Blue-connect 2.0 deepens the relationship between the Mediterranean community and its coastal environment by integrating scientific research, public awareness, and environmental sustainability. The project refines researchers' communication skills, illuminates the societal relevance of their work, and champions inclusivity while addressing Mediterranean environmental challenges through public initiatives, media outlets, and educational campaigns.
Inspired by the flywheel model, the methodology creates a comprehensive cycle of awareness, engagement, and sustained interest through European Researchers' Night events, activities in rural and remote areas, hands-on student experiences, and the "I explore" brand. Follow-up activities showcase youth science and art works, while collaborations with prominent entities and school ambassadors amplify reach and impact. Continuous evaluation ensures iterative improvements aligned with the mission to democratize science and integrate it deeply within Mediterranean communities.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The Blue-connect 2.0 project achieved significant results through diverse activities promoting research and science:
• Over 220 awareness campaign activities (workshops, lectures, exhibitions, open days) with more than 33,000 participants
• 195 Researchers at Schools activities and 197 school visits to research organizations, engaging over 16,000 students and teachers
• Main ERN events attracted over 23,000 visitors in 2024 and 2025, inspiring interest in research careers
• High researcher and student involvement sharing work and knowledge
• Development and implementation of impact evaluation methodologies
• Contributions to scientific literacy, career interest, and understanding of Mediterranean topics
These achievements demonstrate progress in reconnecting science with society, building trust, and successfully engaging youth and the general public.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

The project advanced beyond the state of the art through innovative approaches reconnecting science with society. Key advancements include public engagement strategies utilizing interactive methods, tailored youth activities through educational collaborations, and impact assessment methodology analyzing public perception and effective communication strategies.
Achievements resulted in significant outcomes: enhanced public recognition of science, increased scientist-public trust and engagement, socio-economic impact through skilled workforce development, and wider societal implications addressing climate change and environmental degradation in the Mediterranean. The project increases public trust in science, empowers youth toward research careers, promotes environmental resilience, and strengthens science-society relationships.
Activities of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries were presented in:
Eparkhina, D., Banchi, E., Borja, Á., Canu, D., Ezgeta-Balić, D., Giusta, E., King, A., Koulouri, P., Locritani, M., Manca Zeichen, M., Pomaro, A., Petrera, F., Uyarra, M. C., & Valestrand, L. (2026). Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering scientists as ocean advocates. In T. J. Kennedy (Ed.), Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade—Volume I: Transforming Education, Research, and Engagement (Chapter 20). Springer Nature.
This open-access volume demonstrates how EU scientists promote ocean knowledge across target groups and will be published in early 2026 as the first of three volumes during the UN Ocean Decade.

Awareness campaign activity

ERN 2025 - Rijeka

Researchers at schools activity

ERN 2025 - Split

ERN 2025 - Dubrovnik

ERN 2025 - Zadar

ERN 2025 - Pula