The events organised in the framework of the BRIGHT-NIGHT addressed the whole population of Tuscany, with about 4 million inhabitants, distributed in medium-small cities (the larger city is Firenze, which has only 380.000 inhabitants). The area covered by BRIGHT-NIGHT events was much larger than the University cities alone, so that its impact went beyond the research community based in the main Tuscan cities.
Based on the experience of ERN past editions and on a solid awareness campaign, at least 500.000 people were made aware of BRIGHT-NIGHT and about 19.000 people took part in the activities offered “live” and around 56.000 people followed the event in asynchronous mode.
BRIGHT-NIGHT offered researchers a unique opportunity to explain to the general public how their work affects people everyday life, which consists of a decisive step towards popularization of research, moving it out of universities and laboratories and into the cities and among the citizens. Previous experiences in ERN proved that scientists enthusiasm becomes contagious once they start talking to people about their work, allow offering a "human face" to researchers and supporting the trust in them.
The presentation of publicly funded projects has reinforced the awareness of the fundamental importance of public funding for research, even if there are differences between research fields that are considered most important and fields considered less important. Contact with researchers – even if online this year - also helps to define a positive image of the researchers, showing their “emotional” dimension, making them friendlier, and freeing them from some common stereotypes.
Some activities specifically targeted young people, underlining the challenge within a researcher's career but it’s difficult to know if these activities will actually lead to an increase in research careers. Surely it has managed to convey a positive idea of the fascinating and exciting character of the research work. On the other hand, the researcher continues to be seen as a person who, despite being fundamental to society, has in exchange a moderate recognition, in Italy, both in economic and social terms.
Despite the fact that the 2020 edition was made in a completely new mode, giving up some much-loved activities, the data substantially show a confirmation of the previous edition and therefore a consolidation of the event in the reference territory.
The 2020 edition, totally different from the previous ones, has certainly paid the price of renouncing any direct interaction and any opportunity to meet with visitors: a factor that has greatly affected the usability and relationships with schools and families.
On the other hand, the digital edition allowed the consortium to experiment with new territories and new audiences: an experience that will be treasured in future editions.
