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(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)) 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.
