Researchers in the knowledge triangle

Project Information

K-TRIO 3

Grant agreement ID: 818757

DOI

10.3030/818757

Project closed

EC signature date 9 July 2018

Start date 1 May 2018

End date 30 November 2019

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 217 625,00

EU contribution

€ 212 000,00

Coordinated by

SOFIA UNIVERSITY ST KLIMENT OHRIDSKI
Bulgaria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - K-TRIO 3 (Researchers in the knowledge triangle)

Reporting period: 2019-03-01 to 2019-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

‘Researchers in Knowledge Triangle’ (K-TRIO 3) is a two-year Horizon 2020 project funded under the Marie Sclodowska-Curie Actions and it is a part of the European initiative “European Researchers’ Night”. The main project objectives are:

- Ensuring broad participation of researchers in the awareness campaign and the specific project activities;
- Facilitating the dialogue between researchers and the general public on the work of researchers, their achievements and contributions to the prosperity of economy and society;
- Bringing researchers closer to young people and providing kids and students opportunities to learn more on scientific achievements and researchers' career.


Messages to be conveyed

- Research is a passion for a whole life;
- Research facilitates our life;
- Research supports regional development;
- “Science is attractive”;
- “Science is part of everyday life”;
- “Europe support research excellence”;

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The awareness raising campaign (WP1) was in line with the goals to be accomplished and the audiences to be reached. The core message of the campaign was focused on the link between the new knowledge created and its contribution to regional development, and thus, wellbeing of citizens. One of the key targets of the awareness campaign in 2018 was not simply to cover a large number of people reached but to make sure that this outreach is sustainable and dialogue-based in order to serve as a foundation for European Researchers’ Night 2019 and for communicating scientific achievements in Bulgaria as a whole.

The main project activity is the organization and conduction of the European Researchers’ Night in 2018 and 2019 (WP2). According to the work plan, in 2018 the events took place on 28 September in the following locations: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Russe, Stara Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Burgas, Harmanli, Haskovo and Sozopol and in 2019 in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Russe, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Devnya and Bugras.

The project consortium assessed the impact of the events by distributing to all locations a feedback forms and collection and analyses of the responses received. Also, a survey on public understanding of research and innovation and general attitude to researchers, their work and profession was conducted (WP3).

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Within the first project year, traditional (off line) and online communication channels as well as various promotional materials were used to reach and engage a large number of the predefined target audiences: public at large, children and young people; young researchers and PhD students:

- Traditional (off line) communication channels: Press conference at the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and established media partnerships, including with the prominent Bulgarian National Radio; publication of announcements, articles, advertisements in mainstream press (79 publications in national and local media outlets); airing of programmes, interviews, promotional spots on both regional and national radio and TV stations; Ppromotion during other public events; direct letters to and personal contacts with school principals, teacher networks and Regional inspectorates for education; distribution of posters.

- Online communication channels: a revamped website and a newly established Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ktrioproject) which is a long-term investment in a dialogical relationship with key stakeholders and publics.

- Promotional materials: MSCA roll-ups, EU Corner roll-ups, nNewspaper “HOME SCIENS, booklets “Steps 9 and "Steps 10", booklet "Sucessful Projects - MSCA Actions", brochure “Faces in Bulgarian Science, printed materials (posters, leaflets, flyers, etc.), t-shirts:, rubrics in “Science” magazine (2018 and 2019), documentary short movies.

European Reseachers’ Night 2018 took place at the following venues:
- Sofia University: Rectorate and Campus “Lozenets”;
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: Cyril and Methodii Scientific Centre, National Archaeological Museum, Central Laboratory for Solar Energy and New Energy Sources, Burgas: Cultural Information Centre;
- New Bulgarian University: Sozopol, Centre for sea history and archaeology and buildings of NBU
- Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts-Plovdiv: premises of the Academy, CPSBB, National High School of Stage and Film Design (NSFD), Gallery ANASTAS;
- Medical University of Varna: premises of MUV, Museum of the History of Medicine, Naval Museum, “Yunashki salon”; Devnya: “Agropolihim” building, Veliko Tarnovo MUV affiliate, Shumen MUV affiliate;
- University of Russe: UR building, Kaneff centre, Regional historical museum, Russe regional library;
- Trakia University, Stara Zagora: premises of TrU, Regional Library; Harmanli, Regional Museum; Haskovo, TrU affiliate.

In 2019, the activities were carried out in the following country locations: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Russe, Stara Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, Devnya, Haskovo, Burgas. For the planned forums and events, the partners used the following venues:
• SU: Rectorate building and Campus “Lozenets”;
• BAS: Institute of Optical Materials and Technology; Polymer Institute; Institute of Molecular Biology; Space Research and Technology Institute; Burgas Cultural Information Centre
• NBU: hall 242 in Rectorate building of the Sofia University “St. Kl. Ohridski”;
• AMDFA-Plovdiv: premises of the Academy, National High School of Stage and Film Design outdoor concert, Gallery ANASTAS;
• MUV-Varna: MUV Faculty of Pharmacy, “Yunashki salon”; “Agropolihim” building;
• UR-Russe: UR building;
• TrU Stara Zagora: premises of TrU, Regional Library; Haskovo, TrU affiliate.
• In addition to the project partners, an event was held by Burgas University at its premises.


Organization of pre-events, competitions and contests, Atelier for young talents, Laboratories of Curiosity, Discussion Clubs, workshops, round tables and presentations, Concerts, Exhibitions, Quizzes and Games, EU Corners were the core activities within the European Researchers’ Night 2018 and 2019.


Over 20000 visitors attended the events. The project partners collected and analyzed feedback forms on the impact of the event and 165 responses from the online survey (in 2018) on the public understanding of research and innovation and general attitude to researchers, their work and profession.

Based on the responses received by the visitors and those who participated in the online survey, it is evident that such initiatives of the European Commission contribute significantly to the recognition of researchers all over Europe and increase the awareness among the society the importance of research and innovation.

European Researchers’ Night 2018 and 2019 was important forum for involving citizens in a dialogue with scientists and innovators and a step towards achieving the goals of the European Union's Open Society and Open Innovation.

The project consortium will carefully consider all findings generated from the feedback forms received and will build up in case of future ERN projects so as to accomplish even better results and thus contribute to the objectives of the European Researchers’ Night initiative.

K-TRIO: European Researchers Night 2018