COMSCIENCE

ComScience Network: providing added value to EU research dissemination efforts at regional level

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The ComScience Network brings recent EU research results into local communities through science communicators from five different EU cities. Local scientific experts and representatives of local or regional administrations will participate and promote local scientific culture. Five chosen science topics address the concerns and interests of European citizens: stem cell research, the use of genetically modified organisms, obesity and type 2 diabetes, allergies and asthma as well as contaminants in our food. The project structure stimulates the exchange of know-how and best practices and enables Science City driven partnerships between local actors from different places in Europe. In three years ComScience will: i) consult key players to discuss content and format of the proposed activities ; ii) adapt disseminated materials from FP6 and FP7 research consortia ; iii) organise 25 public dissemination events ; and iv) produce extensive evaluation reports for policy input. The deliverables of the ComScience project goes beyond its immediate activities, namely to evaluate and document to what extent it is possible to: • compile and re-work (edit, format) the information - that is produced by the many different EU funded research consortia as the output of their dissemination activities - in an international collective(s) of local dissemination actors • create a generic methodology (best practice) that allows widespread dissemination of the the structured data on a significantly larger scale, in local settings while respecting regional differences. • provide the means to keep the accumulated knowledge up to date and for a long term use by different communication organisations. To achieve these goals, ComScience has brought together a powerful team that represents not only different types of science communicators, but also represents different European regions and cities.'

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Research on all fronts is very valuable for the EU's future, but it must be disseminated and exploited effectively if it is to improve the well-being of society. The EU-funded project http://www.comscience.eu ('ComScience Network: Providing added value to EU research dissemination efforts at regional level') (COMSCIENCE) aimed to further the use of science knowledge by fostering understanding on the place of science and technology in society. The initiative involved promotion of public debate in life sciences, as well as exchanges and cooperation among local actors with respect to scientific culture.

To achieve its aims, the project shared information on EU research results with local communities in various European countries. It reached out to the general public and to schools through 25 events that covered the interests and concerns of European citizens, from stem cell research and genetically modified organisms to obesity and food contamination.

Teaming up with eight organisations in science communication from Belgium, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, the project fostered the exchange of know-how and best practices among stakeholders across the bloc. It developed a new strategy for participatory-driven science events, elements of which can be viewed on the project website.

The project's actions have led to harmonisation of scientific research in many ways, such as recognising ethical issues in molecular genetics or sharing information on ethical, legal and social aspects of science. COMSCIENCE has also helped encourage young people's interest in science and science studies, reaching out to policymakers and bringing experts closer to society as well.

An important project outcome is a set of recommendations on enhancing the widespread dissemination of European research in local settings while respecting regional differences and needs. The project has clearly contributed to the spread of understandable science in society, articulating methodologies that will help European nations achieve this aim. By bringing life sciences closer to people, COMSCIENCE has helped create conditions for a more innovative, competitive society.