SCICOM

European Network of Science Centres in communicating energy-related topics

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The SCICOM project consortium proposes as Co-ordination and Support Action for networking experts who work with and on new concepts for communicating science to the public. One of these concepts is to address the interests and concerns of citizens through interactive exhibitions in association with science concepts with citizens´ debates and participative democracy tools. Especially, the research topic of Renewable Energy is discussed very much these days in the public and therefore needs more involvement of the public into the development of science and research. Such a European Network is considered to be innovative communication models for enlarging the public at the European level when communicating science in Renewable Energy. In many European countries initiatives have been started in setting up science centres, science museums and in organising national or regional events. The SCICOM project will combine different experiences and know-how in order to develop a synergatic network when setting up common projects. The Lisbon and Göteborg Strategies of a knowledge-based society require a strong involvement and active participation of citizens in the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge. The consortium of SCICOM will bring together experienced partners from: - Science Centres who have been practicing the communication of Renewable Energy science and research to the public - Museums who have experience in organising exhibitions and events - Other stakeholders that gained experience in communicating science and research to the public The overall objective of the project will be to develop a operating network of science centres and experts in Renewable Energy, a joint policy paper, addressed to National and European decision makers, the organisation of a series of events and the exchange and dissemination of good practices examples. A common management and organisation platform will support the ambitious goals of the network.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Exposing the public, especially young people, to the latest advances in renewable energy through science exhibitions has helped encourage more energy-efficient societies.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Renewable energy is one of the most pivotal science topics of our time, captivating the interest of citizens across Europe. It implies greener cities, cleaner transport and healthier lives for everyone, representing a much coveted vision with tremendous social and economic implications. In this vein, science centres and science museums can play an important role in disseminating the latest on this intriguing topic.

With this goal in mind, the EU-funded project 'European network of science centres in communicating energy-related topics' (SCICOM) explored different innovative ways to disseminate information on renewable energy to the public. The project team worked fervently on strengthening science centres and museums in Europe through a number of ways. They built partnerships among institutions that host science exhibitions and established a network of science centres that emphasise and showcase energy topics.

Most importantly, the team developed the idea of a travelling exhibition, dubbed Energy Island. This exhibition focussed on presenting the advantages of renewable energy to the public in easily understandable concepts. Several workshops within the newly established network and the publication of a joint policy paper on communicating renewable energy topics supported this endeavour.

The exhibition began in Rome, Italy during November 2009 and moved to cities in Estonia, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. It was viewed by over 300 000 people attracting significant attention and proving very popular among the public. Although the project has ended, the team has ensured that Energy Island can still be rented to other museums and science centres for a certain time beyond the project's completion.

Not only did the exhibition engage and educate the public and particularly young people, it also involved policymakers, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders. By spreading this knowledge to the public, the project reinforced the knowledge economy and encouraged a future that embraces energy savings and renewable energy.