Faciliator: Ken Skeldon
Sybille Luhmann, European Commission
Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions – examples of international science engagement
This presentation will highlight the European Researchers’ Night and the Researchers at Schools initiative, part of the MSCA & Citizens program. With a new call opening from June to October 2025, this is a key opportunity to showcase recent updates and participation data across countries, cities, and schools. The session will also explore strategies for local science communication, particularly in reaching audiences beyond major cities. Insights will be shared on the program’s successes, challenges, and ongoing improvements.
Francesca Toffaldano and Chiara De Robertis, University of Turin
Public Engagement for a more inclusive and gender-neutral prison: the project A.L.I.C.E.
The A.L.I.C.E. project, winner of the 2023 Call for Proposals for public engagement at the University of Turin, addresses the gender imbalance in prison activities by fostering a more inclusive, female-oriented environment within the Turin prison. Through workshops involving women inmates, law students, and university researchers, the project promotes awareness of the specific challenges faced by incarcerated women and seeks to connect the prison with the broader community. A key output will be a short film in virtual reality, designed to share this experience with the public and stakeholders using accessible, contemporary tools. The initiative aligns with the themes of the EUSEA 2025 Conference by exploring science communication and public engagement in socially and geographically isolated contexts. Ultimately, A.L.I.C.E. exemplifies the university’s commitment to social responsibility and innovation in bridging institutional and societal divides.
Niklas Marzinek and Mhairi Stewart, Museum für Naturkunde
Aligning the compass – Leadership in Public Engagement
This Horizon Talk will explore effective leadership in Public Engagement (PE), focusing on the key attributes, skills, and resources needed to influence decision-makers and drive change. We’ll share early insights from the 2025 cohort and research team of the German-South African Public Engagement Exchange (PEX). The PEX programme is designed to cultivate leadership among researchers and PE professionals, equipping them to professionalize the field, manage transformative processes, and shape national strategies.
Through five online sessions, we’ll discuss responsible leadership, change management, and entrepreneurial approaches in PE. Participants will also learn about the research supporting the PEX fellows’ professional development and its impact on the future of PE through international exchange.
The session will invite conference participants to contribute to a Design Thinking exercise led by international d-School students. This collaborative effort will generate creative solutions for driving innovation in PE. The results will be shared at the 2026 EUSEA conference.
Jackie Gorman and Pauline Nally, Midlands Science
Funding & Diversifying Funding for Science Outreach
Science outreach often relies on short-term funding from a single state funder, creating financial instability and limiting long-term investment, career development, and innovation. A more sustainable model requires multi-annual funding and a diverse mix of funders, including government, private companies, and social enterprises. This talk explores strategies for financial sustainability in science outreach, highlighting effective fundraising practices and alternative funding approaches. By engaging with a broader range of stakeholders, science outreach can strengthen its economic base, gain new strategic perspectives, and connect more deeply with society. Case studies will illustrate how organisations can move beyond project-based funding to build long-term resilience.
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.