MSCA and Citizens aims to bring research and researchers closer to the general public 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 scientific careers. There is a particular focus on families, pupils, students, and notably those who do not have easy access to STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) or research activities. The objectives of MSCA and Citizens are achieved through the organisation of the European Researchers’ Night, a Europe-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers. The European Researchers’ Night takes place on the last Friday of September each year.
The activities of a Researchers’ Night event are focused on the public at large, bringing researchers directly in contact with the public with a view to enhancing their role in society. The European Researchers’ Night will also promote Researchers at Schools activities throughout the year to encourage engagement between researchers, teachers and pupils on important topics and grand challenges facing our society today.
Researcher’s Night grants may be awarded to any legal body established in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated country that can run public outreach events involving their national or regional research community on the defined date in September. Events in any field of research are eligible. Participants can include private and public research organisations, academics, companies, public authorities, schools, science museums, parent-teacher organisations, mobility centres, foundations, the media, etc. The active involvement of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellows is strongly encouraged.
Activities that can be supported include:
- Hands-on scientific experiments overseen by researchers.
- Scientific or technological demonstrations by researchers involving the participation of members of the public.
- Guided visits of labs, research institutions and other places that are usually closed to the public (particularly at night).
- Workshops for children (build a robot, conduct an experiment, help a researcher in solving a problem etc.).
- Competitions (scientific quizzes, puzzles, photo and art contests etc.).
- Theatrical or artistic events with a scientific or technological theme.
The list is by no means exhaustive. Click here for further information. The next Researchers’ Night will take place on Friday, 24th September 2021.
Summary Details
- An award can be made to a single participant from a Member State or Associated country.
- Can also include other participants (from the same country or another Member State or Associated country), if required.
- Project Duration 24 months. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals covering two successive editions (2022 and 2023).
- Typical Project Budget €100,000 to €300,000 (for a project covering two consecutive years)
- The budgets vary in line with the scale of the activities proposed.
- It is possible to apply for full or co-funding.