Objective
Sparking Curiosity in Citizens and the Next Generation of Scientists (SciC) advances the MSCA and Citizens mission to bring research and researchers closer to the public. The project targets communities with limited access to science education, resources and varying levels of scientific literacy, offering high-quality, hands-on learning and engagement with researchers.
SciC focuses on two main goals. The first goal is the expansion of Merck KGaA’s Curiosity Cube (a solar-powered, 8 x 2.5 m mobile science lab that delivers STEM experiences for 8–13-year-olds). SciC will expand the Curiosity Cube to three new countries—Poland, Slovakia, and Serbia—through nine events reaching approximately 1,350 additional students. Additionally, it will extend the Curiosity Cube’s reach within existing EU countries by visiting 20 new schools, increasing new-school reach by 15% and engaging 3,000 additional students. Activities are supported by targeted school selection in underserved areas, localized curriculum translations, robust volunteer training, and end-to-end event logistics.
The second goal is the hosting of two audience-centered and accessible Researchers’ Nights. The EMBL-led Researchers’ Nights will unite citizens and researchers around the theme of Curiosity through inclusive, multilingual, and sensory-friendly programming (e.g. hands-on “Curiosity Fair,” guided facility tours, creative co-productions, and immersive experiences).
Across 2026–2027, SciC will build trust, broaden participation regardless of language or background, and strengthen the relevance of research to everyday life. Impact will be rigorously assessed via mixed-method evaluations.
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.
64293 Darmstadt
Germany
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.