FUTURES: Create. Imagine. Explore.

Informations projet

FUTURES

N° de convention de subvention: 818697

DOI

10.3030/818697

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 27 Juin 2018

Date de début 1 Juillet 2018

Date de fin 31 Janvier 2020

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coût total

€ 190 058,75

Contribution de l’UE

€ 190 058,75

Coordonné par

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FUTURES (FUTURES: Create. Imagine. Explore.)

Période du rapport: 2019-05-01 au 2020-01-31

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

FUTURES is a European Researchers Night’ event bringing together learning from the past and visions of the future, celebrating cultural heritage and exploring innovation. It is hosted by the cities of Bristol and Bath, engaging local people in the discovery and celebration of European cutting-edge research and its place in society. The consortium is led by the University of Bristol alongside the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. FUTURES has a distinctive regional flavour, bringing together Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellows from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Cardiff, and utilising the strong research connections between these universities. We work with popular venues such as the science centre ‘We The Curious’ and The Holburne Museum, as well as community partners to ensure a diversity of citizens can participate in inspiring activities. We have a strong emphasis on engaging school children and families, particularly those who may not normally engage with research, to increase awareness of research careers and break stereotypes about researchers. Direct interaction with researchers is key, allowing audiences to meet the people behind the science. The activities build the story of cultural heritage and innovation that have characterised the region’s scientific and socioeconomic development. With Responsible Research and Innovation in mind, we reflect on how current developments have the potential to influence the future of the region and beyond.

The objectives of FUTURES are:
1. build on the rich legacy of innovation and cultural heritage in the South West region to showcase current research and the advances brought about by the universities;
2. engage public audiences, both those familiar with the universities and EU research as well as those new to them, with the positive impacts research has on their daily lives;
3. explore the rich cultural diversity of the region's population, inviting diverse communities to participate in the events;
4. inspire and encourage young people in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas to raise their aspirations so they may embark on scientific careers in the future, actively working with local schools, including those from disadvantaged communities;
5. showcase Europe’s leading Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellows working in the West of England and South Wales alongside as well as other research also funded by the European Commission;
6. facilitate greater interaction amongst disparate areas of research, breaking down disciplinary barriers;
7. coordinate joint activities with a number of successfully awarded European Researchers’ Nights (ERNs) both in the UK and across Europe, and with other EU funded projects;
8. promote the benefits of European research funding to a wider UK audience.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

The project aimed to build the FUTURES brand, raise awareness of the events and wider European Researchers’ Night messages, deliver FUTURES activities across Bristol and Bath and evaluate these activities to assess their impact.

FUTURES 2019 events engaged 5911 people, including 2400 people engaging with activities online. All elements of the awareness campaign, when compiled, achieved a total maximum reach of 7,857,557 including via Twitter (@FUTURES_ERN, hashtag #FUTURESNight) and Facebook page featuring video and image content, and a dedicated website (futures2019.co.uk) as a hub for all FUTURES content.

In 2019, 17 events took place in Bristol and Bath with 265 researchers taking part: 215 from University of Bristol, 36 from University of Bath, 7 from Cardiff University and 5 from Bath Spa University and 2 from University of Exeter. Of these, 41 were MSCA Fellows who took part in various activities and led the EU Corners.

FUTURES 2018 events engaged 5257 people, including 3351 people participating in online vlogging activities. All elements of the awareness campaign, when compiled, achieved a total maximum reach of 3,898,812 via Twitter and Facebook as well as local press and posters/leaflets in community venues.

In 2018, sixteen events took place across the cities of Bristol and Bath with 229 researchers taking part: 153 from University of Bristol, 54 from University of Bath, 12 from Cardiff University and 10 from Bath Spa University. Of these, 35 were MSCA Fellows.

FUTURES engaged audiences of all ages. Activities included: a hands-on research fair, interactive EU Corners, demonstrations, workshops, discussions and talks, art installations and exhibitions, research films, conversations over tea and cake, storytelling, stand-up comedy, live illustration, science busking on trains and a guided walk.

The impact assessment showed that the activities in 2018 and 2019 were successful in achieving the aims set out in the proposal, with the events enjoyed by participants and researchers alike. Public participants reported three key benefits of attending; better understanding of a research topic, an increased interest in a research topic and better understanding of the value of research and researchers to everyday life.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

FUTURES included innovative activities where audiences could interact with researchers in non-traditional settings and dispel stereotypes of research. All activities reinforced the message that research is relevant to society and everyday lives and some encouraged active participation of attendees in research enquiry. In total, 266 female researchers (out of 494) participated in from a wide range of research fields as well as a high proportion from minority ethnic groups, providing diverse role models for the young people attending the events. Between 750-1000 children attended school or family orientated events in 2019, with over half of total FUTURES attendees aged under 25. Half of the schools attending were in the top 30% most deprived deciles, and two schools were in the top 10% most deprived decile. Free transport for schools ensured the events were accessible, raising aspirations and reaching children who aren't normally able to engage with researchers.

Evaluation showed that 96.2% of public survey respondents in 2018 and 96% in 2019 felt that European research and researchers were ‘Very Important’ (83%) or ‘Quite Important’ (13.2%) to Bristol and Bath. A key element of activities was to connect people directly with researchers – these face to face conversations were received positively with both visitors and researchers. A particularly popular topic of conversation was research careers, both with children and their families. Other findings included that visitors were especially pleased the events were free and accessible, with common responses being that the events were ‘Interesting’, ‘Relaxed’ and ‘Inspiring’.

There were also positive impacts for participating researchers who thought the events were well organised, they felt well-supported and there was a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. 80% said they had enjoyed their experience ‘a great deal’. For many the best part was interacting with a wide range of people who showed genuine interest in their research and connecting with others. Other benefits included: trying new ways of engaging the public, improving communication skills, improving confidence and supporting future career progression. Researchers developed these skills through training sessions – in total 23 sessions were offered.

Using VR at the Research Fair for Schools (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)

Students exploring hands-on experiments in EU Corner (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)

Families learning about drones at We The Curious (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)

Live illustration at Visions of Science (credit Anna Barclay)

Storytelling on-board the Brunel's SS Great Britain (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)

Children get hands-on with real animal skulls (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)

Interactive experiment at Science Pop-up Party (credit Anna Barclay)

Exploring hands-on experiments led by MSC Fellows in EU Corner (credit Bhagesh Sachania Photography)