Project description
Accessible, engaging events for scientific and public awareness
Growing public trust and interest in science and research are crucial to creating an environment and communities that will accelerate sustainability and green goals and efforts while also championing improvements in quality of life and collaboration. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the S.P.A.C.E. project is raising public awareness of science by organising flagship European Researchers’ Night events, as well as a year-round Researchers at Schools programme. These events will be structured around four key approaches focusing on the Common, Personal, Outer, and Creative spaces, through which the project will transform complex research into emotionally engaging and accessible experiences, including interactive stations, arts and science performances, and more.
Objective
S.P.A.C.E. – Science & Public Awareness through Creative Exploration will deliver two flagship European Researchers’ Night (ERN) events (St. Pölten 2026; Linz 2027) and a year‑round Researchers at Schools (RaS) programme to bring science closer to citizens. Structured around four thematic dimensions - Personal, Common, Outer, and Creative SPACE - the project transforms complex research into accessible, emotionally engaging experiences through interactive stations, dialogue formats, and art‑science performances. Highlights include the interdisciplinary production The Gravity of Wonder by JKU’s Circus of Knowledge and immersive installations at Ars Electronica’s Deep Space 8K.
Led by STPUAS with Ars Electronica (AE/ESERO Austria) and Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), S.P.A.C.E. combines regional outreach with European connectivity - via “EU Wormholes” linking partner cities and MSCA researchers - through the E³UDRES² and EC²U alliances. Over two years, the project will host ≥50 stations per ERN, ≥40 school visits, and targeted campaigns prioritising accessibility and underserved communities (≥30% rural schools). Researchers receive structured training in storytelling, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring stronger public engagement and visibility for MSCA fellows and Horizon Europe projects.
Expected reach includes ≥3,000 visitors, ≥50 trained researchers, and measurable improvements in science literacy and trust. Legacy is secured through an open replication toolkit, OER resources, and policy briefs, enabling adoption beyond the grant. Synergies with the possible acceptance of Science Comes to Town will further amplify impact and scalability. By embedding science in everyday life and fostering creativity, S.P.A.C.E. contributes to MSCA & Citizens objectives: empowering citizens, inspiring youth, and strengthening the European science culture.
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.
3100 Sankt Polten
Austria
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.