Faciliator: TBC
Shane Bergin – University College Dublin, Ireland, Shaun O’Boyle and Maurice Kelliher- Shaun & Maurice
The Trust Race – How scandals & controversies affect trust in science
This presentation will explore the complex relationships between science, expertise, policy, and trust. Drawing from our podcast series, The Trust Race, we will examine whether science is more trustworthy than other forms of knowledge and discuss how to build trust in diverse expertise to address critical global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, health equity, pandemics, AI, and mental health. The talk will conclude with implications for how science education is approached in schools, universities, and in public engagement
Rebecca Wilson, Research Ireland
Where did you hear that? – “TikTok!”
Irish Science Week leverages partnerships with podcasts and social media influencers to combat misinformation and engage young Irish audiences (16–30). Over five years, this initiative built lasting collaborations, fostering organic inclusion of evidence-based content. By reconnecting young adults with science, it reshapes perceptions, making scientific literacy accessible in the digital age.
Andreas Knab, Falling Walls Foundation
The Wind in Our Sails: the role of public opinion in science policy
Public opinion is essential for effective science policy, as scientific solutions to global challenges like the climate crisis, pandemics, and social inequities often lack the democratic support needed for implementation. In this horizon talk, I will argue that mobilizing public opinion goes beyond just what is communicated or how; it crucially depends on who is doing the communicating. My motto is: Facts don’t persuade people; people persuade people. Trust built through local networks is key to bridging the gap between scientific research and public acceptance.
I will discuss how Falling Walls Engage Hubs provide a global framework to identify and empower grassroots science engagers, who connect deeply with their local communities. These science activists build trust, foster understanding, and drive action on critical science issues. By combining innovative tools like social network analysis with local expertise, the Engage Hubs model shows how strategic science engagement can create global change by amplifying local impact.
Sara Verstraeten, KOI
One engagement strategy for the entire European coastline
In 2023 and 2024, the TREC expedition visited 20 countries, engaging over 10,000 people in 21 languages and training more than 250 researchers. Using mobile labs and a boat, the team collected samples of soil, sediment, water, and air along the European coastline to investigate the impacts of climate change, chemical pollution, and human activity on coastal regions.
The Public Engagement programme consisted of 7 activities, co-developed with scientists and tailored in partnership with local communities in each region. This collaborative approach ensured the highest level of engagement.
Eline Livémont – Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Céline Rase – Université libre de Bruxelles
Chronicle of a Failure Foretold: Can Science Communication Keep Its Purpose Alive?
This presentation critically examines the limitations of science communication at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). It challenges the outdated “deficit model” assumption that public misunderstandings are simply due to a lack of knowledge. While participatory approaches like co-creation and two-way dialogue have made progress, they risk becoming superficial buzzwords. Many science communication projects, despite institutional recognition, fail to achieve real societal impact and are often measured by inadequate performance metrics.
Instead of viewing participatory methods as a catch-all solution, the presentation aims to spark an honest conversation about the systemic challenges in science communication, including insufficient policy frameworks and the difficulty in engaging deeply entrenched community networks. Addressing these issues requires a commitment to acknowledging the field’s shortcomings and rethinking how science communication can genuinely serve society.
Chris Styles, IMPETUS
A Raising Tide Raises All Ships – Lessons From IMPETUS to Support Citizen Science
As the IMPETUS project nears the end of its journey, we celebrate supporting three crews of citizen science initiatives in charting their course toward success. Along the way, we’ve equipped them with essential tools and resources to embark confidently on their adventures and flying the flag for citizen science practices.
By its conclusion, IMPETUS will have launched 100 new citizen science projects and provided advanced guidance to help 25 ongoing initiatives achieve a more significant impact. Yet, this voyage has not always been smooth sailing.
In this Horizon Talk, Chris Styles, IMPETUS Communications Officer, will share the highs and lows of the IMPETUS Accelerator programme. Drawing on these experiences, we’ll discuss practical lessons to empower other citizen science projects and strengthen their communities.
Jen Grove –UKRI, Lewis Hou – Science Ceilidh and Steve Scott – UKRI
Ethical, inclusive and equitable? – Navigating new waters through community-led research?
Community-led research (CLR) bridges global challenges with local solutions but requires navigating ethics, equity, and systemic barriers. This interactive workshop explores CLR from practical and systemic perspectives, including cross-sector collaboration and advocacy for supportive structures. Science Ceilidh will share insights from CLR in Scotland, including a co-designed ethics toolkit, while UKRI will discuss funding challenges and institutional barriers. Participants will collaboratively map challenges, share strategies, and explore international cooperation to strengthen ethical and inclusive CLR.