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CORDIS

ROOTS AND RECIPES: THE SCIENCE OF FOOD, IDENTITY AND BELONGING

Objective

Food nourishes us, it gives us life, energy and pleasure. It is a fundamental biological need, but beyond that it is full of symbolic significance and social value. Every mouthful is political, visceral and always relational. Food connects all European citizens regardless of age, gender, culture, and background with other parts of the world. This project is a celebration of the multi-dimensional aspects of food consumed in Africa and among the African diaspora in Europe. It invites families, pupils, teachers and local communities to engage in the science of food, not only what we eat, but how food shapes our societies, our bodies, and our future. It offers a deep interdisciplinary dive into the cultural traditions, societal dynamics, and scientific innovations that influence how we grow, cook, and consume food, and how these practices might evolve for a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.

The European Researchers’ Night will offer a vibrant exploration of food through science, culture, and hands-on discovery. In 2026, the event will introduce key themes to the public, setting the stage for deeper exploration. The 2027 edition will showcase the outcomes of school and community engagement through a pop-up exhibition celebrating the collective impact of these collaborations.

A key component of the project is dedicated to schools, engaging pupils and teachers through science education, interactive activities, and citizen science. The project will develop and disseminate one innovative educational resource designed for teachers and pupils, fostering active engagement with scientific topics related to food.

The project taps into the universal relevance of food to spark inclusive public engagement with science and promote interdisciplinary EU research. By centering African diaspora foodways, amplifying underrepresented voices, and bridging generations and knowledge systems, the project contributes to a more equitable and connected understanding of food in Europe.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01

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Coordinator

MUSEE ROYAL DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 144 595,00
Address
LEUVENSESTEENWEG 13
3080 Tervuren
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (4)