European Researchers' Night
The European Researchers' Night takes place yearly, typically on the last Friday of the month of September, and is the occasion for a Europe-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers, in particular towards young people and their families. Supported events can start on Friday and last until early morning the following day.
Activities focus on the general public, addressing and attracting people regardless of the level of their scientific background, with a special focus on pupils and students. Activities can combine education aspects with entertainment, especially when addressing young audience. They can take various forms, e.g. hands-on experiments, science shows, simulations, debates, games, competitions, quizzes, etc.
Where appropriate, engagement with educational institutions should be sought in order to encourage formal and informal science education with the aim to improve the scientific knowledge base.
Each proposal should set up at least one European corner.
- Increased awareness among the general public of the importance of research and innovation and more favourable general attitude towards its public funding
- Better understanding of the key benefits that research brings to society
- Reduction in the stereotypes about researchers and their profession
- Increase, in the long term, of people taking up research careers