Faciliator: Rony Ben-Chaim
Helena Robert i Campos, La Palma Research Centre (LPRC), Spain
MACARONIGHT: Fostering the sense of belonging and engagement in science from the margins
MACARONIGHT, an annual event in Macaronesia, transcends physical barriers to unite citizens and science in the EU’s Outermost Regions. Focused on the identity, culture, knowledge, and heritage of the islands, it fosters a sense of belonging and connects diverse societal groups within and between archipelagos. By addressing pressing topics like climate change and the blue economy, MACARONIGHT sparks interest in research and science, empowering local communities to explore solutions and participate in broader discussions. Through innovative non-formal education, it highlights the relevance of research to daily life in often overlooked territories, challenging perceptions of “changemakers.” This talk will inspire similar initiatives, fostering synergies in science communication, public participation, and identity, empowering citizens for sustainable futures.
Jackie Gorman, Midlands Science, Ireland and Craig Slattery, University College Dublin, Ireland
Generating Systems Change in Science Outreach Practice
This presentation offers an update on a new guide aiming to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of science outreach, building on research presented at EUSEA 2023. Insights will be shared on the guide’s circulation, impact, and ensuing discussions, with a focus on driving systemic change. By integrating practices like Plain English use, equity considerations (via the Equity Compass), storytelling, universal design for learning, and accessibility design, the guide aims to empower diverse communities to engage meaningfully with science outreach. Emphasizing a theory of change approach, the talk addresses challenges while highlighting the potential impact of even small adjustments in practice. Notably, the guide presents these practices in Plain English, aligning with international standards, fostering accessibility and ease of implementation. Attendees will gain appreciation for the guide’s practical yet impactful suggestions, fostering inclusivity in science outreach practices.
Briony Jackson, EMBL-EBI, United Kingdom
Public engagement at EMBL-EBI; science for the people, with the people.
We aim to broaden the reach of EMBL-EBI’s work through community engagement, fostering connections and learning opportunities in bioinformatics. By collaborating directly with various public groups, including those with limited exposure to data science, we build lasting relationships. Our partnerships span organizations supporting young carers, Traveller communities, individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, migrant communities, and a museum hosting community events. Our inclusive approach emphasizes that our work is for everyone. In an 8-minute Horizon talk, we’ll share insights from our public engagement journey since 2020. We advocate for a collaborative, relational approach where diverse forms of knowledge are valued. We strive to create a welcoming space—a “sheltered borderland”—where mutual understanding and connection flourish. Our talk will explore the challenges, successes, and lessons learned, inspiring others to embrace inclusive engagement practices and the organizational support necessary for their success.
Miha Kos, Hiša eksperimentov, Slovenia
E-xperimenting; a free Worldwide Science Centre that you enter from home
Traditional Science Centres provide engaging learning experiences through interactive exhibits, often requiring a scheduled visit and travel. Imagine bringing this experience home, accessing exhibits from your living room, akin to a personal swimming pool. Though limited in size and social interaction, remote engagement offers unmatched accessibility and frequency. Hiša eksperimentov, Slovenia’s Science Centre, pioneers remote exhibit operation via the internet. Experience this innovation firsthand; some prefer hands-on interaction, while others embrace the online approach, overcoming financial or social barriers. Our approach extends access to interactive exhibits online, catering to diverse preferences, even when others sleep.
Aoife Taylor, Science and Society Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and Joseph Roche, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Interrogating Illusions of Progress: Science engagement conferences as inclusive spaces
Conferences serve as pivotal events for researchers and practitioners, fostering idea sharing, inspiration, networking, and career advancement. However, despite their significance, they often fall short in terms of inclusion and accessibility, perpetuating ‘illusions of progress.’ This presentation delves into the current state of inclusive practices at science communication, engagement, and citizen science conferences. It seeks to celebrate achievements while identifying areas for improvement in creating welcoming spaces for diverse identities. Drawing from the paper “Interrogating Illusions of Progress” (Roche et al., 2023), we aim not only to share perspectives but also to inspire action. By engaging the EUSEA community, including regular conference attendees and those who’ve experienced exclusion, we seek input to develop recommendations for conference organizers. Through reflexivity and collective expertise, we aspire to transcend illusions of progress and truly embed inclusion and accessibility in conference practices.