Periodic Reporting for period 2 - QriUS (Come and Play Science at European Researchers` Night)
Reporting period: 2019-03-01 to 2019-11-30
Science has undergone an unforeseen rapid development over the past decade. The new innovations have significantly influenced many details of our everyday lives. Europeans are interested in science and technology; however, they perceive the information they receive as insufficient and their opinion towards public engagement in science and technology is fragmented. Public engagement has become the major approach to bridge science and society. Arts, as a form of expression and a source of genuine creativity has also started to play an important role in supporting the link between science and the public. By nurturing the exchange between science and arts, we arrive at new forms of expression, unlock the potential of creative arts and enrich scientific thinking.
European Researchers` Night (NIGHT) is the flagship initiative of the European Commission to bridge science and society and to encourage young people to pursue research careers. QriUS, under coordination of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and together with partners from cutting-edge research, science education, science communication and the arts, organised the NIGHT for the first time in Heidelberg and Mannheim, in Germany in 2018. The overall objective of QriUS was to bring researchers closer to the general public and to increase awareness of research and innovation activities, with a view to supporting the public recognition of researchers, creating an understanding of the impact of researchers' work on citizen’s daily life, and encouraging young people to embark on research careers. By showcasing twelve different science disciplines and 149 different activities, the project offered a unique opportunity for all age groups to engage with researchers from different areas, and experience and understand the impact of research on our daily lives and future.
European Researchers` Night (NIGHT) is the flagship initiative of the European Commission to bridge science and society and to encourage young people to pursue research careers. QriUS, under coordination of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and together with partners from cutting-edge research, science education, science communication and the arts, organised the NIGHT for the first time in Heidelberg and Mannheim, in Germany in 2018. The overall objective of QriUS was to bring researchers closer to the general public and to increase awareness of research and innovation activities, with a view to supporting the public recognition of researchers, creating an understanding of the impact of researchers' work on citizen’s daily life, and encouraging young people to embark on research careers. By showcasing twelve different science disciplines and 149 different activities, the project offered a unique opportunity for all age groups to engage with researchers from different areas, and experience and understand the impact of research on our daily lives and future.
European Researchers’ Night was organized for the first time in Heidelberg and Mannheim in 2018 and again in 2019. We aimed to make as many people as possible aware of the NIGHT. We started our work with the development of a unified communication campaign, which addressed the areas of diversity in science, careers in science, European collaborations, art and culture, environment and sustainable development, medicine, astronomy and physics. Project partners worked in very close collaboration to establish the new brand for the NIGHT. Our awareness campaign aimed to reach the public at large, focusing on children and young people. The German title of the event was: Nacht der Forschung Heidelberg I Mannheim 2018. The English title of the event was: Researchers’ Night Heidelberg I Mannheim 2018 or 2019. Each partner had direct access to all digital and user information regarding the project visuals, and online and offline communication tools. We developed a beautiful artwork for the NIGHT. Our overall PR campaign from the 2 NIGHTs led to 11 press releases, 7 TV contributions and 85 different print media features. We ran radio spots in 2018 and 2019 as well. The project online publication was based on the project website and social media channels. The website was launched in July, 2018 and it is available under: https://www.nacht-der-forschung-heidelberg.de(opens in new window). It contains all the necessary information about the event in German and English. During European Researchers’ Night in 2018, we offered 149 different activities at 16 venues in Heidelberg and one venue in Mannheim. In 2019 our partnership grew by 50% as 5 new associate partners joined the project and opened their institute doors to welcome visitors. In 2019 we offered 148 activities in 16 venues in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Eppelheim. The activities covered the topic areas of astronomy, culture and art, educational sciences, geography, gerontology, medical research, molecular biology, physics, biodiversity, microbiology, robotics and technological heritage and were offered for the public at large, regardless of age and scientific background. The activities invited visitors to explore science through direct interactions with researchers in an entertaining and engaging way. The content was very diverse, dynamic, interactive and multidisciplinary. In 2018 we had 599 volunteers and in 2019 we had 874 volunteers who engaged, inspired and educated the visitors during the event. Of these 1473 (not unique as there were volunteers who participated in both years) volunteers, 739 were female and 734 were male which ensured gender balanced representation. Our venues included research institutes, universities, hospital buildings, a science museum, cultural hubs and event locations, educational facilities and a botanical garden. The venues were a balanced combination between spaces that were already known for the public and spaces that had opened their doors only for this special occasion. Some of the venues offered “behind-the-scenes” insights to visitors including research and clinical facilities, molecular biology training labs and arts workshops. The main public square in Heidelberg was used as a venue for 3 PR events.
In both 2018 and 2019 we had keynote talks, different types of guided tours, exhibitions, information booths, various and types of numerous hands-on experimentations, different performances, games and workshops. Every visitor could easily find an inviting access point to our NIGHT.
In both 2018 and 2019 we had keynote talks, different types of guided tours, exhibitions, information booths, various and types of numerous hands-on experimentations, different performances, games and workshops. Every visitor could easily find an inviting access point to our NIGHT.
The impact assessment of the project QriUS was conducted with random, anonymous, voluntary pre-visit and/or post-visit surveys, completed by adults above the age of 18 which aimed to evaluate the entire NIGHT, and in 2019 we introduced a digital evaluation app which aimed to rate each venue (no age limit). IN 2018 we had around 11,000 visitors and in 2019 we had around 7000 visitors to the event. The impact evaluation of both years was comparable. The majority of visitors have accomplished at least an upper secondary education and visited one venue. Workshops and shows, the offered topics, activities, speeches, and lecturers all appealed to the visitors. Respondents reported that the various activities offered new insights into research. 90% of our visitors were completely satisfied or very satisfied with the event. We found that more people associated research with advancement due to the experiences at the event and the NIGHT has also extended visitors` perspective of personally important scientific areas. The most frequently reported suggestion was to offer more information about the event as well as more signposting in situ. We Compared the findings of our project with NIGHTs in other countries. The majority of the respondents in the different countries had high level of education. The comparison also showed that the visitors in the different cities have a very similar picture about research. Overall, the respondents in all NIGHTs showed a very high level of satisfaction and were pleased with the knowledge they acquired. Respondents everywhere seem to share a common interest in science with their family and friends
Our NIGHT has brought many people closer to the world of research and contributed to the better understanding and recognition of researchers' work.
Our NIGHT has brought many people closer to the world of research and contributed to the better understanding and recognition of researchers' work.