#EUSEA26

EUSEA General Assembly
2024-05-16 16:00 - 18:00 UTC
EUSEA General Assembly
Members and non-members are welcome to join the EUSEA General Assembly, a pivotal event where all members come together to discuss the future direction of our organisation. This assembly serves as a platform for open dialogue, decision-making and collaboration. Your participation is crucial since we will elect a new president and 3 Board members! Please ensure your membership is up-to-date before the assembly.
We look forward to your active participation and valuable contributions

Coffee Break - 4
2024-05-16 15:30 - 16:00

Conference Wrap-Up & Hand Over to the Next Host
2024-05-16 15:00 - 15:30

Panel Discussion- Future identities in public engagement – where might we be in 5 years?
2024-05-16 13:30 - 15:00 | Room T 102
Future identities in public engagement – where might we be in 5 years?
Join us for a lively discussion about the role public engagement with research can play over the next few years with particular emphasis on finding common ground, shared interests and values across different countries, cultures, and identities. We will allow plenty of opportunities for audience input and interaction after hearing some opening challenges from our panel of distinguished engagement professionals from across Europe and beyond.
Meet the panel
Mamoeletsi Mosia is the Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement at the National Research Foundation (NRF-SAASTA). She previously worked at South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and has many years of experience providing strategic leadership to research and development activities. Philipp Burkard is the Director of Science et Cité in Switzerland, a national charity promoting dialogue between science and society through accessible and innovative projects. A past Board Member of the European Science Engagement Association, he has many years of experience of working on national and international initiatives in public engagement. Joseph Roche is the Director of Research for the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin and leads international research projects investigating the role of science in society. He has worked at NASA and is a visiting scholar at Harvard. He is a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin and is the author of the textbook “Essential Skills for Early Career Researchers”. Chaired by Kenneth Skeldon, Research Engagement Manager at the University of Glasgow. Ken has worked in the higher education, charitable and third sector across several public engagement roles and is currently the Vice-President of the European Science Engagement Association.

Lunch Break - Day 2
2024-05-16 12:30 - 13:30 | Conference Hall / Garden

Parallels Sessions V - 5.4 Scenario Workshop
2024-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Room T 302
Keren Dalyot, EIT Food FoodEducators, Israel and Fabienne Ruault, EIT Food FoodEducators, Belgium
FoodEducators: Developing a glocal European food education programme
FoodEducators, a European project, offers culturally relevant food education resources. Acknowledging the local and personal nature of food practices, we aimed to blend global sustainability with students’ identities. Our framework, centered on food as a socio-scientific issue, integrates multidisciplinary aspects of food science to make learning relevant. We seek to complement our work with existing resources and projects. In our session, stakeholders will co-create a glocal educational activity based on videos showcasing agrifood professionals’ daily lives. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking, media literacy, and science communication skills, often overlooked in traditional science education. These skills are crucial in evaluating diverse messages and effectively communicating scientific knowledge to varied audiences.

Parallels Sessions V – 5.3 - Scenario Workshop
2024-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Room T 301
Christopher Styles, EUSEA, United Kingdom
Helping citizen science grow – How can we engage better with grassroots citizen science initiatives?
The IMPETUS project, through its accelerator program and partnership with the European Prize for Citizen Science, supports and elevates underrepresented voices in the research community by providing recognition, financial support, mentoring, and training for citizen science initiatives. Despite the global reach of the science community, grassroots initiatives often struggle to connect with larger organizations. The IMPETUS team aims to address this issue within the EUSEA community by exploring communication strategies and identifying groups that are overlooked. Through dialogue, they seek to integrate grassroots organizations into the citizen science community, provide additional support, and promote their vital work. This session will culminate in a communication action plan to enhance outreach efforts, ensuring visibility for future citizen science projects and opportunities offered by IMPETUS.

Parallel Sessions V - 5.2 Horizon Talks
2024-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Room T 102
Faciliator: Cissi Askwall
Anouk de Jong, University of Twente, Netherlands and Anne M. Dijkstra, University of Twente, Netherlands
The impact of AI on the quality of science journalism: views from journalists
We explored how AI advancements, like ChatGPT, may influence science journalism quality by interviewing 16 journalists across Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium in May 2023. Despite facing funding and time constraints, journalists employed various strategies to maintain quality, seeking feedback from peers or editors. While many covered AI topics and used AI tools for tasks like transcription, they hadn’t observed negative impacts on their work. Perceived benefits include AI streamlining repetitive tasks and enhancing accessibility and impact. However, concerns exist about AI’s potential to diminish the role of science journalists and compromise reporting rigor. This talk sheds light on the perspectives of Southern European journalists, offering insights into the challenges of delivering quality reporting on AI developments and adapting to AI’s influence on their profession.

Fergus McAuliffe, University College Dublin, Ireland
Inception Horizon: a case study in the science communication of groundwater through song
Creative collaborations between science and the arts offer powerful avenues for informal science learning, particularly for engaging new audiences. “Inception Horizon” exemplifies this approach, blending groundwater and earth science with music, performance, and film. Over three years, involving a community choir and a composer, the project produced an original musical piece performed both above ground and in a cave, accompanied by a short film. Evaluation revealed significant increases in understanding of karst and confidence in Earth Science among attendees. This talk will explore the journey of co-creating this immersive science engagement experience. It will emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to public engagement with climate science, highlighting the role of creative and cultural sectors in fostering dialogue, understanding, and personal connection to the changing Earth system through music and song.
Theodore Anagnostopoulos, Science Communication, Greece
STEM4Equality | Combating gender stereotypes in early school age through STEM
STEM4Equality addresses the gender gap in STEM careers by targeting early education. Through specially designed materials and teacher training, the project aims to challenge and prevent gender stereotypes in kindergarten and elementary schools. By intervening at an early age, STEM4Equality promotes life skills and healthy relationship building. The talk raises awareness about gender biases in Europe and highlights how STEM education combats these stereotypes. The program’s innovation lies in targeting preschool ages, where stereotypes are less evident according to research.
Edward Duca, University of Malta, Malta and Emma Clarke, University of Malta, Malta
Characterising a highly urbanised town to support participatory public engagement
In collaboration with the Gzira Local Council, the University of Malta characterized the urbanized town of Gzira to plan Nature-Based Solution (NBS) implementations and participatory public engagement processes. Through door-to-door surveys, demographic, health, income, and mobility data were collected to identify residents willing to install air pollution sensors, aiding in mitigating pollution levels. Temporary NBS measures were then implemented to foster community and cultural interaction through Sci Comm activities. The talk “Characterising an Urbanized Town for Public Engagement” discusses the research’s role in understanding public perceptions of NBS and addressing challenges such as lack of community and positive perception. The session highlights how research tools, coupled with science communication, support participatory engagement and citizen science, providing insights for implementation in other contexts.

Parallel Sessions V - 5.1: Scenario Workshop
2024-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Room T 303
Wiebke Hoffmann, Stifterverband, Germany
„It’s not about dumbing down, it’s about opening up! The Team Puzzling Method and how it shapes researchers identities“
Recent global events underscore the need for collaboration in tackling complex challenges, yet barriers within the scientific community hinder widespread adoption of participatory research. Traditional norms depict researchers as solitary geniuses, impeding the shift towards collaborative models valuing collective intelligence. Embracing collaborative processes and diverse perspectives fosters personal transformation and societal change. However, establishing sustainable frameworks for inclusive research exchange remains a challenge. How can we navigate the complexities of diverse perspectives effectively? We propose an innovative, selectively transdisciplinary dialogue format bridging science and society to lower entry barriers for collaborative research. Our CRoSS Fellowship program exemplifies this approach, aiming to reshape research identities and promote mutual recognition and success. Through specific exercises, we’ll explore challenges and solutions in implementing participatory and transdisciplinary research methods.
Please notice that this workshop may not last the full 90 minutes.
Poster Pitch after the workshop:
Sebastian Großmann, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany and Amy Visram, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Re:linking Results: Creative Pathways in a Complex Research Consortium
De:link//Re:link explores the impacts of China’s Belt and Road Initiative on everything from language and culture to politics and economics in Asia and Africa. Areas studies document what is being gained and lost as a result of the infrastructure currently being constructed across continents. The De:link//Re:link research consortium consists of a complex architecture of university and non-university organisations, all of which work to communicate local perspectives to various audiences. Our poster presents how the interconnections between the partners enable the transfer of knowledge. We show how insights from field research can conveyed using formats such as podcasts, self-organised groups, and immersive installations. In this way, the results reach both specific audiences and the broader public via innovative pathways. As the first phase of funding of De:link//Re:link draws to a close, we also examine how the synergies of the approaches used in the project could be harnessed further in a potential second phase.

Coffee Break - 3
2024-05-16 10:30 - 11:00

Double Keynote: EUSEA Young Talents
2024-05-16 09:30 - 10:30 | Room T 102
Double Keynote: EUSEA Young Talents
How Identities and Cultures Shape Online Engagement with Science in the Post-Truth Era
Showcasing the Next Generation of Public Engagers: In the past years, we have seen more and more early career researchers getting interested in Science Communication and Public Engagement.
This new generation will be key to supporting the implementation of a “culture change” towards more Public Engagement and Open Science practices within and beyond academic institutions. To honour early career researchers who pave the way for their colleagues, EUSEA will offer two Young Talents a place to shine and contribute their perspectives to the field.
EUSEA Young Talents are funded by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft Shakked Dabran-Zivan: Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Education in Science & Technology at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Anouk de Jong: PhD candidate in science communication at the faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences at the University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.

Welcome Coffee - Day 2
2024-05-16 09:00 - 09:30

Conference Dinner
2024-05-15 20:00
The Conference Dinner will be hosted at a charming restaurant with a picturesque view overlooking Old Tbilisi – “In the Shadows of Metekhi.“ This setting provides an excellent opportunity to not only indulge in the depths of Georgian cuisine and wine but also to immerse oneself in traditional folklore, polyphonic songs, and captivating dances.

Break and Transport to the dinner location
2024-05-15 18:30 - 20:00
Break and transport to conference dinner

Parallel Sessions IV – 4.4 Dialogue Session
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Room T 302
Liz Danner, The Open University, United Kingdom; James Caron, SOAS University of London, United Kingdom and Muhammad Salman Khan, King’s College London, United Kingdom
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in Pakistan: Case Study Lessons for Impactful Engagement
Drawing from Pakistan field projects, we explore integrating indigenous knowledge into academic practice, informed by a decolonial perspective. Emphasizing equitable incorporation, we aim to contribute to local intellectual cultures on their terms. Through discussion, we’ll assess the potential and limits of this approach, focusing on its applicability beyond Pakistan. While situating knowledge within specific contexts, we’ll extract transferable principles for STEM engagement. This session bridges social sciences with STEM by incorporating indigenous knowledge, offering insights into novel approaches while encouraging reflection on audience engagement and collaborative practice.

Parallel Sessions IV - 4.3 Local Roots, European Reach: Scaling 'Heimspiel Wissenschaft' Across Europe
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Room T 303
Joerg Weiss, con gressa, Germany, Philipp Schroegel, Heidelberg University, Germany and David Plessy, Heideberg Universitsy, Germany
Local Roots, European Reach: Scaling ‘Heimspiel Wissenschaft’ Across Europe
“Heimspiel Wissenschaft” widens the impact of science outreach by reconnecting scientists with their rural hometowns, fostering meaningful engagement with typically inaccessible audiences. This project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, involves collaboration between the HRK, con gressa, and the #SciCommLab at Heidelberg University. In our workshop, we’ll showcase the project’s success and discuss plans for expanding it across Europe. By leveraging personal connections and rural communication networks, we address the challenge of engaging non-traditional audiences in science. Attendees will gain insights into the power of personal connections in science outreach and explore opportunities for collaboration and replication of this model.

Parallel Sessions IV - 4.2: Dialogue Workshop
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Room T 301
Denis Naughten MP, Inter-Parliamentary Union, Geneva and Maurizio Bona – former science advisor, CERN, Geneva
Bridging Divides Through Science: A Dialogue on Peacebuilding
Amidst growing global divides, our dialogue “Bridging Divides Through Science: A Dialogue on Peacebuilding” offers timely insight. We’ll explore how science, a universal language, can unite us to tackle global challenges through evidence-based policymaking and collaboration. Highlighting the success of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Science for Peace School in addressing issues like water scarcity in conflict regions, we’ll showcase how science can bridge gaps between nations. Our aim is to inspire a fusion of science and politics, promoting cooperation and equitable solutions. Attendees will gain insights into using science as a neutral platform for addressing shared problems, fostering international cooperation and lasting peace. This session innovatively utilizes science to transcend political divides, offering practical solutions for global challenges.

Parallel Sessions IV - 4.1: Horizon Talks
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Room T 102
Faciliator: Andrea Brunello
Jorge R Zapata-Restrepo, Blanquerna – Ramon Llull University, Spain
Evaluating Urban Health with Older Adults: A Co-Creative Approach to Age- Friendly Urban Design in Barcelona
Our study assesses the reliability of the ‘Tool for Assessing Determinants of Health in Public Spaces’ through co-creation with care home residents and researchers in Barcelona. While providing valuable insights, the tool’s reliability in community settings is limited, emphasizing the need for user-centric design in urban planning. Integrating diverse perspectives enriches urban design and fosters age-friendly environments, aligning with the conference theme of transcending boundaries in public engagement. Presenting a PhD project on co-creation with older adults in urban planning, our talk highlights the importance of genuine participation and reliable community-based health assessments for inclusive, user-centric urban design. The innovative co-creative approach involves older adults in public space evaluation, contributing to more inclusive, accessible urban spaces. This initiative, part of Health CASCADE funded by EU’s Horizon 2020, aims to address public health challenges through evidence-based co-creation involving seven countries.

Cissi Askwall, the Swedish Research Council, Sweden

Forskning.se – Open Science for everyone
Forskning.se aims to make research results easily accessible and understandable to the public and professionals in Sweden. This national web-based initiative, financed by research funding organizations, collects, explains, and shares research findings in collaboration with universities, research institutes, and civil society organizations. By co-creating with target audiences and content providers, including the general public, journalists, and academic institutions, the platform ensures that information is presented in attractive and understandable formats. This approach not only promotes “Open Science” but also strengthens citizens’ science capital, empowering informed decision-making. Join us to learn about our ongoing development process and share your ideas for this evolving project, contributing to the vision of making research useful to everyone.

Conor Haugh, BiOrbic, Ireland
Generation Glas: Finding Identity as Youth Activists
Generation Glas, a collaboration between BiOrbic and Science Foundation Ireland, is an 8-month sustainability course empowering under-resourced Irish teenagers to become confident sustainability ambassadors. This program covers bioeconomy, climate action, and sustainability topics, enabling participants to shape their identities as change agents. Through a residential school, field trips, and online sessions, youths design STEAM events in their communities. Co-creation allows them to influence program elements, fostering ownership in climate action. Addressing the accessibility gap in sustainability advocacy, our approach equips youths from under-resourced backgrounds with knowledge, skills, and support to run impactful local events. This initiative highlights the potential and interest youths possess when given the opportunity to define their identities as climate activists.

Sara Verstraeten, EMBL (European Molecular Biology Laboratory), Germany
Ask a local! How to use 24 languages to talk about planetary health
In 2023, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory initiated a Europe-wide expedition on planetary health, prompting the challenge of engaging diverse audiences across 24 languages. To address this, we developed a participatory engagement (PE) program offering activities in local languages, involving local researchers as facilitators. Our talk outlines the process of creating participant-centered activities and training modules for local scientists to facilitate in their languages, emphasizing cultural adaptation and intercultural communication. Collaboration with local volunteers enabled effective engagement with audiences across Europe. Key points include reflections on cultural adaptation, the challenge of developing a single PE program for diverse European audiences, and the emphasis on empowering local scientists to make engagement decisions. By trusting and involving local researchers, we fostered meaningful connections with communities and successfully navigated linguistic and cultural diversity.

Coffee Break - 2
2024-05-15 15:30 - 16:00

Parallels Sessions III - 3.4 Poster Pitches II
2024-05-15 14:45 - 15:30 | Room T 302
Faciliator: Edward Duca

Janice Richardson, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom and Matthew Lee, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom

Cardiovascular Screening Checks on Mongolian Nomads During the Khan Khentii Expedition July 2023

During the Mongolian Khan Khentii expedition with the SES in July 2023, I conducted cardiovascular screening clinics for remote-dwelling nomads with permission from the Mongolian Health Authority. Screening 88 adults revealed concerning rates of high blood pressure and smoking prevalence, underscoring the need for cardiovascular research collaborations with local institutions. This initiative emphasizes inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, bridging interprofessional and international relationships. Seeking permission directly aligns with the University of Glasgow’s global engagement objectives. This novel approach highlights the importance of acknowledging diverse socio-cultural identities to foster inclusive interactions. Attendees can learn from this example of forging connections and improving cultural sensitivity, especially among Mongolian nomads.

Johanna Soria Aguirre, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – Environmental Sciences Doctoral School, Hungary and Eszter Tormáné Kovács, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – Department of Nature Conservation and Landscape Management, Hungary

Framework for evaluating nature conservation citizen science projects in Hungary

We developed an evaluation framework for nature conservation citizen science (NCCS) projects in Hungary, focusing on science, nature conservation, and environmental education-learning dimensions. Through semi-structured interviews with project managers, we assessed eight NCCS projects, with the Common Bird Monitoring Program showing the most comprehensive performance. While most initiatives excelled in scientific aspects, few contributed to conservation policy, and environmental education-learning was often overlooked. Our findings aid project managers in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. By enhancing NCCS effectiveness for science, nature, and society, our research promotes holistic project development. Our framework offers a valuable tool for future NCCS evaluations, crucial for improving project visibility and impact.

Chris Gary, Vienna University Children’s Office, Austria and Thomas Troy, Vienna University Children’s Office, Austria

SHORE – an inclusive and cross-sectoral approach to Ocean Literacy and Open Schooling

The SHORE project will present a poster highlighting how schools, in collaboration with local knowledge providers like NGOs and research organizations, can benefit from its approach. Over 36 months, SHORE targets ocean literacy across Baltic, Black, Mediterranean, Danube, and Rhine regions, engaging 100 schools through Country Hubs formed by 14 partners. The initiative offers guidance, grants, and digital platforms for project management and learning, complemented by community activities like workshops and exhibitions. Recognizing outstanding projects with the “Ocean Ambassador/Literate of the Year” award promotes broader engagement. SHORE addresses climate change and biodiversity loss by providing tailored support for schools, encouraging diverse initiatives like thematic weeks and citizen science projects. The poster session aims to inform knowledge providers about collaboration opportunities and SHORE’s funding calls for 2024-2026.

Silvia Prock, Junge Uni, Children´s University of the University of Innsbruck, Austria and Christina Prechtl, NATOPIA – nature education, Austria

Change of perspective and self-efficacy as public engagement methods

In our workshop hosted by Junge Uni, we highlight the importance of identity in protecting endangered amphibians, with 2 out of 5 species facing extinction according to the IUCN. We explore how to engage human responsibility in amphibian survival. Through literature mediation, we foster narrative empathy, promoting personal involvement and action orientation. This approach, currently implemented in Tyrol/Austria’s kindergartens and schools, empowers participants to become active contributors to environmental solutions, fostering self-efficacy and a sense of agency. Join us to discover this best practice example and learn how changing perspectives can lead to impactful action for the preservation of endangered species.

Parallel Sessions III – 3.3 - How to get a lot for not a lot (subverting economic, physical and social barriers in STEM communication).
2024-05-15 14:45 - 15:30 | Room T 301
David Price, Science Made Simple, United Kingdom and Michael Gregory, MyFavouriteExperiments, France
Michael and David, seasoned science communicators, thrive on crafting interactive activities from everyday materials and bringing them directly to the people. They’ve honed their careers around this approach. In the session, participants will be invited to join a lively discussion on stimulating public engagement with science and celebrating diversity. Through hands-on demonstrations and collaborative brainstorming, attendees will explore ways to overcome barriers in STEM communication. Drawing from their extensive experience, Michael and David will share case studies to illustrate effective strategies. Delegates will gain a broader perspective on engaging diverse audiences and practical insights into successful methodologies. Additionally, they will leave with a deeper understanding of leveraging everyday materials for STEM communication.

Parallels Sessions III - 3.2: Horizon Talks
2024-05-15 14:45 - 15:30 | Room T 303
Faciliator: Kenneth Skeldon
Andrea Brunello, Arditodesio, Italy
Engaging the Engagers: the Open Mike Experiment
The Open Mike, a weekly workshop at the University of Trento, teaches researchers storywriting and storytelling skills. Since its inception last year, it has led to engaging Open Mike events where scientists share personal, witty, and poignant science stories with theatre audiences. This format has become a cornerstone of the university’s outreach activities. I’ll outline the format, methodology, and discuss its impact on both the audience and researchers. While scientists excel at discussing their work, they often lack experience engaging broader audiences emotionally. I’ll explain how we address this gap, empowering scientists to become compelling science storytellers. We’ll examine the results and challenges of this approach and highlight its positive effects on the storytellers, fostering their artistic identity and societal awareness.

Emma Clarke, University of Malta, Malta
Can citizen science be an effective platform for social integration?
Project Poseidon, funded by IMPETUS, aims to break social barriers through citizen science, focusing on Posidonia Oceanica, a crucial Mediterranean seagrass. Partnering with Spark 15, we engage migrants and locals in monitoring and cleaning plastic pollution and reforesting seagrass meadows. Our goal is to foster community ties while conserving a shared resource. Collaboration with Blue Ecotech revealed a need for Anchor free zones in Natura 2000 sites, prompting efforts to mobilize the community for seagrass protection. Addressing the EUSEA theme of cultural boundaries, our project actively includes often-excluded migrant populations in citizen science, overcoming participation barriers and adapting our approach. We’ll discuss challenges and lessons learned, highlighting our innovative approach of fostering ownership within underserved communities.

Joana Bordalo, Native Scientists, Portugal
Circularity in science engagement: a new concept to tackle inequality
Our presentation introduces a program that is based in the concept of Circular Science Engagement and it aims at humanizing science and addressing education inequalities. Launched in 2021, it brings scientists back to primary schools to conduct hands-on workshops with 4th-grade students, reaching over 1,500 students in underserved areas of Portugal. Impact analysis reveals increased science engagement and vocabulary among participating children, with 66% meeting a scientist for the first time and 93% expressing high levels of interest. This innovative approach combines evidence-based education methodologies with the concept of Circular Science Engagement, fostering community involvement and promoting equity by bringing science education directly to underserved communities. Our talk will delve into program development, implementation, and its potential impact, highlighting the transformative power of science engagement in marginalized areas.

Parallel Sessions III – 3.1: Mutual Learning Exercise on Public Engagement
2024-05-15 14:45 - 15:30 | Room T 102
Cissi Askwall, EUSEA PresidentSession on Mutual Learning Exercise MLE
Invited by the European Commission, EUSEA President Cissi Askwall is chairing a new Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE), focusing on Public Engagement in Research & Innovation (R&I). MLEs are part of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and aim to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and policy development among European countries. These goals resonate well with EUSEA’s commitment to advance public engagement and to contribute to more inclusive, impactful and responsible R&I processes. The session will debate and explore how the EUSEA community can contribute to integrating multiple dimensions of public engagement in R&I, including co-design, co-creation, co-assessment, and activities related to innovation deployment.

Parallels Sessions II – 2.4 Horizon Talks
2024-05-15 14:00 - 14:45 | Room T 303
Faciliator: Cissi Askwall

Natalia A. Lyapugina, European University at St. Petersburg, Russia
Identity Matters: Exploring Identities in Science Communication from an STS perspective
Navigating science communication requires addressing the diverse social identities within society. How can science effectively reach across these identities? This presentation delves into this question by examining identities through the lens of Science & Technology Studies (STS). Drawing on M. Callon’s research on patient associations and a case study of a comic book for oncology patients, I’ll demonstrate how science communication can not only address but also redefine identities. By exploring the implications of this perspective, we can uncover new research and practice opportunities. Participants are invited to contemplate how identities intersect with science communication and how these interactions shape our understanding and actionable strategies. This STS-informed approach offers a dynamic view of identities, fostering new discussions and potential avenues for practice in science communication.

Mariam Dalakishvili, Ilia State University, Georgia
“Fear Rhetoric” in the COVID-19 Discourse and Ethical Dilemmas
This talk delves into the COVID-19 pandemic discourse, focusing on “fear rhetoric” and its ethical implications, particularly in the context of Orthodox Easter 2020 in Georgia. Through Van Dijk’s critical discourse analysis, it scrutinizes an interview with Dr. Paata Imnadze, revealing discursive strategies like dramatization and blame-shifting to amplify fear. The clash between the church and state underscores ethical dilemmas, with the former risking lives for tradition and the latter resorting to fear tactics to avert confrontation. The talk highlights the ethical concerns of spreading fear amid an already stressed populace and explores the intricate interplay of fear, power, and ethics during a pandemic. It underscores the influence of contextual background and media on public perception and behavior, and it examines the moral complexities arising from fear-based communication methods. Overall, it sheds light on the nuanced dynamics of fear, ethics, and power within the COVID-19 crisis.

Liz Danner, The Open University, United Kingdom
Engagement Career Development: Moving from Introduction to Identity
My research investigates the influence of the research impact agenda on career development in UK higher education, focusing on public engagement as a pathway to impact. While institutions prioritize and reward engagement at project and institutional levels, individual career development for creating and recognizing impacts remains inconsistent. Analyzing national and institutional strategies revealed a growing emphasis on engagement and impact, but career development still focuses on basic skills. I propose that advanced training and opportunities for application and reflection are crucial for staff to develop comprehensive engagement identities. Presenting new analysis of institutional and national strategies, I will explore trends in engagement and impact career development. Attendees will learn how national initiatives shape institutional processes and discuss strategies for enhancing training and support for engaged research careers. I will also discuss this study in the context of my broader doctoral research on the research impact agenda’s effects.

Parallels Sessions II – 2.3 Poster Pitches
2024-05-15 14:00 - 14:45 | Room T 302
Faciliator: Edward Duca
Cyril Dworsky, Kinderbüro Universität Wien, Austria and Karoline Iber, European Children’s Universities Network, Austria
Children’s Universities: Cultivating ‘Belonging’ for Diverse Futures in Science
Sustained interest in science and research thrives on a “sense of belonging,” crucial for those, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, diverging from academic stereotypes. Feedback from 30+ years of Children’s Universities worldwide underscores this, revealing lasting impacts—awakening dreams, fostering courage, offering new perspectives. Our poster, crafted collaboratively by the European Children’s Universities Network, depicts various vital elements and experiences. It showcases role models, engaging formats, school partnerships, and more. This dynamic “wimmelbild” invites viewers to explore and contribute, reflecting a global effort to promote science engagement. As advocates for Children’s Universities, we leverage this poster format to spark dialogue and inspiration among conference attendees, encouraging their input and visions. Unlike traditional posters, ours is a vibrant, bustling illustration, symbolizing the diverse avenues for involvement in science education.

Joana Bordalo, Native Scientists, Portugal; Joana Moscoso, Native Scientists, Portugal; Beatriz Amad, Native Scientists, Portugal; Matilde Gonçalves, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal; Ricardo Marvão, Beta-I, Portugala and Catarina Miranda, Native Scientists, Portugal
Scientists Return to their Hometown: a case study of circularity in education
In Portugal, socioeconomic and geographic factors limit access to science education. Our innovative Circular Science Engagement program addresses this by bringing scientists back to their communities to conduct workshops for 4th graders. By connecting over 1500 children with local scientists, we aim to ensure no child reaches 5th grade without meeting a scientist. Our impact assessment reveals positive shifts in children’s perceptions of science and scientists, fostering scientific literacy and social justice. Through collaboration with teachers, municipalities, and media, we bridge gaps between science and society. Children’s misconceptions about science are corrected, empowering them to become curious, participatory citizens. Join us in our mission for a more inclusive science engagement landscape.
Diana Tartaglia, CNR-INO, Italy and Costanza Toninelli, CNR-INO, Italy
A quantum physics exhibition: students and visitors engagement evaluation
The second quantum revolution promises new technologies within 5 to 10 years, with global investments focusing on Quantum Technology (QT) research and public outreach. In November 2023, CNR-INO organized a quantum physics exhibition in Florence, part of the Italian Quantum Weeks and World Quantum Day initiatives, to engage students and the public. Pre- and post-visit surveys assessed visitors’ perceptions of quantum technologies’ societal impact. This poster presents key findings from the survey analysis, filling a gap in understanding public attitudes toward QT, especially in Italy. The study aims to establish a baseline of Italian opinions at both local and national levels, informing future research and potentially serving as a model for similar studies worldwide.
Sanskruti Biswal, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Using interdisciplinarity to tell richer stories
Interdisciplinary research is crucial in addressing global challenges, extending to public engagement. “Our Mind,” a project by Edinburgh Neuroscience, funded diverse student-led research across disciplines at the University of Edinburgh. The initiative explored various aspects of the human mind, culminating in a public event attended by over 50 people. This funding empowered non-traditional research projects, fostering creativity and innovation. Breaking disciplinary boundaries, the program showcased how diverse perspectives enrich public engagement efforts. Collaboration among participants resulted in a coherent narrative presented through various media, demonstrating the multifaceted exploration of the mind. This highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in both research and public engagement, bridging gaps and fostering inclusive dialogue.
Grace D’Arcy, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Empowering Future Leaders: Citizen Science as a Tool to diversify representation in STEM and Drive Environmental Change
The Academy of the Near Future, in partnership with CONNECT and Dublin City Council, presents an award-winning engagement program aiming to empower citizens for sustainable and inclusive smart communities. Our citizen science initiative engaged over 500 young people across Ireland in collecting hyperlocal data on traffic-related air pollution. Through community-based action projects, we addressed air pollution and promoted active transport. This poster explores how citizen science promotes environmental action among students from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity and amplifying underrepresented voices. Our collaboration with ICHANGE offers insights into building more equitable citizen science initiatives, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. We showcase strategies for engaging students and discuss impacts on awareness, empowerment, and environmental advocacy, offering valuable insights for inclusive citizen science initiatives.

Dialogue Session II – 2.2 - ReachOut activities – Creating safe environment for making mistakes
2024-05-15 14:00 - 14:45 | Room T 301
Miha Kos, CEO at Hiša eksperimentov, Slovenia and Rony Ben-Chaim, Bloomfield SienceMuseum Jerusalem, Israel
Creating a safe environment that embraces mistakes is crucial for effective learning, as Einstein famously noted, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ReachOut activities, which blend informal and formal education, exemplify such an environment, fostering experimentation and creativity. Implementing this approach in schools can empower teachers and students alike, promoting curiosity and innovation. In our session, we’ll share experiences with open-ended science shows, mobile science centers, and hands-on activities, all aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering inquiry. Participants are encouraged to contribute their insights, emphasizing the importance of nurturing an environment where curiosity and creativity can flourish.

Parallels Sessions II – 2.1 - Reaching beyond boundaries: why, who, where and how?
2024-05-15 14:00 - 14:45 | Room T 102
Sheila Donegan, Calmast STEM Engagement Centre, South East Technological University, Ireland
STEM engagement traditionally centered on events accessible to the general public, often leaving disadvantaged groups uninvolved. Recognizing the need for inclusivity, the STEM community aims to extend outreach efforts to ensure broader societal benefits. This involves targeted outreach, trust-building, and collaborative program development. This session will discuss both successful and unsuccessful interactions with hard-to-reach groups, such as migrants, the deaf and visually impaired, early school leavers, prisoners, individuals with additional needs, disadvantaged women, older people, Irish Travellers, and the Roma community. Participants will share experiences from across Europe to identify effective engagement practices. The session aims to facilitate dialogue on working with diverse audiences, highlighting successful strategies and lessons learned. The insights gathered will inform the development of case studies and best practices for the Eusea community.

Lunch Break
2024-05-15 13:00 - 14:00

Parallels Sessions I – 1.4 - The Art of Storytelling: Exploring Identities
2024-05-15 11:30 - 13:00
Andrea Brunello, Arditodesio, Italy, Annette Klinkert, EUSEA, Germany and Dimitar Uzunov
(Arte Urbana Collectif):

Our identities are multifaceted and constantly evolving, yet in science communication, we often adopt narratives that don’t reflect our own voices. Storytelling offers a powerful means to explore and develop personal narratives, both within and beyond research. In this interactive workshop, we’ll experiment with storytelling techniques to connect with our identities and critically reflect on existing narratives in science. Through dialogue and creative exercises like crafting Elevenies (short poems), participants will uncover themes for storytelling about scientific topics. By the end, attendees will gain innovative tools to share their perspectives on science, fostering a deeper engagement with diverse audiences and challenging traditional hero narratives.
