Project description
Celebrating science through dialogue, creativity, and inclusion
People are more likely to trust scientific findings if they see transparency from researchers and if they understand how science works. Also, when children are exposed to science at a young age, they are inspired to pursue careers in science. As for the actual research, when it is funded by society, it should benefit all parts of society. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the WiseNight 2026-2027 project aims to bring science closer to the people. Focusing on Brussels, it will hold Researchers’ Night events and a year-round Researchers at Schools programme. Specifically, it will organise interactive workshops, science shows, and STEAM activities. Ultimately, WiseNight will support future research careers and reinforce public trust in science.
Objective
WiseNight 2026–2027 builds on the success of previous MSCA European Researchers’ Night editions to strengthen public engagement with science across Brussels’ diverse communities. Coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel with Université Libre de Bruxelles, BeWiSe, GoodPlanet Belgium, and the von Karman Institute, the project promotes inclusive, gender-balanced participation in science by bringing researchers into schools, neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks such as the Atomium.
Its objectives are to: (1) make research accessible and relevant to all citizens, particularly those with limited exposure to science; (2) promote gender equality by featuring female researchers as visible role models; (3) strengthen trust in science through direct citizen–researcher encounters; and (4) highlight European research excellence and the societal value of EU-funded R&I.
WiseNight will achieve these aims through two flagship Researchers’ Night events at the Atomium and a year-round Researchers at Schools programme across all 19 Brussels municipalities. Activities will include interactive workshops, science shows, and art–science performances based on the STEAM approach, linking science with creativity and the arts to foster critical thinking. Researchers will receive training in science communication and inclusive dialogue, empowering them to engage confidently with diverse audiences.
Over two years, WiseNight will reach 10,000+ participants and involve 150 researchers, including MSCA fellows and ERC grantees. Anchored in European values of excellence, inclusion, and creativity, WiseNight 2026–2027 contributes directly to MSCA objectives by inspiring young people toward research careers, promoting diversity in science, and reinforcing public trust in research as a driver of Europe’s sustainable future.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.