Objective
Aurora Nexus – Connecting People, Science & Art is a New European Bauhaus–inspired initiative that bridges science, technology, art, and culture to make research a shared and emotionally engaging experience. By integrating creativity with discovery, the project connects European collaboration to personal exploration, inviting everyone to co-create a sustainable and inclusive future.
Through two European Researchers’ Nights (2026 & 2027) and a year-round “Researchers at Schools” programme, Aurora Nexus will demonstrate the connectivity between science and the creative industries across four engagement levels – Science for EU, for Latvia, for the University, for my family. The project aims to reach over 10,000 visitors, 8,000 pupils strengthening public understanding and trust in research, increasing interest in STEAM fields, and improving researchers’ communication and engagement skills.
Key objectives include integrating arts-based learning in schools, fostering inclusive outreach across regions, showcasing EU-funded research through science-and-art exhibitions, and deepening dialogue between researchers and citizens via co-creation, performances, and sustainable public events. Supported by the University of Latvia’s comprehensive engagement ecosystem – including its Botanical Garden, Museum, Culture Centre, Observatory, and regional branches – and coordinated by the Innovation & Acceleration Centre with the Communication Department and European partners (FORTHEM, EUA), the project builds on proven institutional capacity in science communication and community engagement.
Aurora Nexus fully aligns with the MSCA European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools objectives by enhancing researchers’ interaction with citizens, expanding access to science across Latvia and Europe, and embedding the NEB values of sustainability, inclusion, and beauty into science outreach.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
1586 RIGA
Latvia
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.