European Researchers' Night

Topic Description

The European Researchers' Night aims to bring researchers closer to the general public and to increase awareness of research and innovation activities, with a view to supporting the public recognition of researchers, creating an understanding of the impact of researchers' work on citizen’s daily life, and encouraging young people to embark on research careers.

The European Researchers' Night takes place yearly, typically starting 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 main events can last up to two full days: they can start on Friday and continue the following day. Pre-events can also be organised during spring or summer, prior to the main event in September.

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 audiences. They can take various forms, e.g. hands-on experiments, science shows, simulations, debates, games, competitions, quizzes, etc. The European Parliament and the Council designated 2018 as the ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage’. As a consequence, applicants are encouraged to include activities relating to cultural heritage, where appropriate, in their events.

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, providing general information about the European Union and how the EU funds science and education cooperation within Europe and beyond. Activities should be organised with researchers actively involved and directly in contact with the public. They should promote the European dimension, gender balance and inclusion in research and innovation. Involvement of researchers funded by Horizon 2020, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, is highly encouraged.

Participants can be any legal entity in the EU Member States and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries, and/or if relevant, constitute a partnership at regional, national or international level. The maximum duration of support will be two years from the starting date specified in the grant agreement. Proposals should cover two editions of the Night in successive years, but single editions will also be considered.

High-quality applications not retained due to lack of funding may be granted the status of associated events.

• 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
• Better understanding of the European Union among the general public