Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Volcanoes Night III (Volcanoes\' Night III. - Researchers\' Night of the Canary Islands)

Teaser

VOLCANOES NIGHT III Researchers’ Night in the Canary Islands actually consists of the continuation of 2 previous successful events, on which the current project was relying.The rapid development of technological areas, such as informatics, material science or space research...

Summary

VOLCANOES NIGHT III Researchers’ Night in the Canary Islands actually consists of the continuation of 2 previous successful events, on which the current project was relying.
The rapid development of technological areas, such as informatics, material science or space research multiplied our knowledge of earth processes and created some highly specialised fields within volcanology. Scientific breakthroughs have, however, also generated a dramatic gap between the professionals and the public, which led the volcanologists’ work to seem as mythical as the work of volcanoes in ancient times.
The main objectives of the action consisted of enhancing public recognition of researchers and their work, of its impact on citizens’ daily lives and well-being, as well as of showcasing the researchers as ordinary people whose work is fascinating and fun, in such a way to stimulate young people’s interest for science and science careers. In this context, the project relied on the fascination and respect that volcanoes always exerted over the public.
Beyond the objectives referred to above, the project consequently also aimed at addressing this issue and bridging the gap between science and the general public of different ages, so as well intended to provide first-hand information about volcanoes and geo scientific topics to improve the understanding of the volcanoes’ world surrounding the inhabitants of the islands.
Amongst the numerous activities offered to the attendees, after several excursions allowing the participants to “live” the life of a volcanologist, presentations, hands-on experiments, shows, science cafés, movie theatre, live connections with scientists from all over the world, kids’ programme, poster session, contest rewarding ceremonies, live music, European Corner and similar actions were organised, addressing the public at large with a strong focus on kids and young people.
Participating scientists did not only talk about their field of research, but also shared their experiences on how students can approach science and research institutions, providing a perfect scenario to attract young people to science careers. As a backdrop to the Night, volcanoes were used not only to explain the work of volcanologists but also what science is about and what scientists and researchers do during their daily work.

Work performed

\"AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Tasks undertaken
Target audiences:
o Public at large, regardless of age and scientific background;
o Special attention to be paid to kids and young people, especially those about to face or facing a career choice;
o Campaign addressed to the 7 Canary Islands, the population of mainland Spain (informative level), Europe and world Spanish speaking community (informative level);
Messages conveyed:
o Researchers are amongst us;
o Researchers are ordinary people with an extraordinary job;
o Researchers share with others passions, hopes, problems, concerns, dreams…;
o Researchers’ job is important for citizens’ daily lives and well-being;
o Research is fun and fascinating;
o Research is an amazing career choice;
o Obtain first-hand information about volcanoes and geo scientific topics;
o Improve your understanding of the volcanoes’ world surrounding you;
o Europe cares for its researchers;
o Researchers’ mobility in Europe is an existing opportunity;
Main communication tools to rely on:
Off line:
o Publication of articles, announcements, advertisement in local and regional newspapers;
o Airing of promotional spots, programmes, interviews on national and regional TV and radio (weekly announcement on Planeta Viva Radio run by INVOLCAN and broadcasted world-wide) plus further regional programmes;
o Preparation of press communiqués , press materials and videos footages;
o Organisation of a joint press introductory conference, followed by a series of local press conferences;
o Announcement of school competitions in secondary schools during e.g. the “Window to the Atlantic” educational programme managed by INVOLCAN (posters with QR codes reference);
Oline:
o Revamping, constant updating and maintenance of project website;
o Revamping, updating and maintenance of social profiles networks (Facebook);
o Setting up of a website blog;
o Cooperation with other EU-funded Spanish nights (sharing info, banners , links..), links with institutional and popular websites;
Promotional material
o Posters, programmes, folders;
o Ads, banners, websites;
o Mention of \"\"This European Researchers\' Night project is funded by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions\"\" on all promotional material displayed;
o Promotional gadgets (displayed through the European corner notably), complying with the general guidelines available at: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/communication/services/visual_identity/index.en.htm

Overview of the results:
o Conception, realisation and display of promotional material: flyers, agendas, posters displayed in museums, libraries, bars, restaurants as well as at all venues, including touristic places in the Canary islands;
o Public advertising: big raod banners;
o Publication of articles and announcements in both local and regional newspapers and magazines such as El Día, La Opinión, El Apuron, Diario de Avisos, La Palma para to, Disfruta!, D\'Ocasión, Fuerteventura Hoy, La Brujula ….;
o Publication of of promotional article in Binter Canarias onboard flight magazine;
o Airing of promotional announcements, spots, interviews, talks and notices on several national and local radio stations (Radio Nacional de España (Canary Islands), Radio Hola FM Fuerteventura, Radio San Borondón Norte in Tenerife, Radio Mulagua in La Gomera,
Cadena SE La Palma, Radio Murion, Cadena SER Lanzarote, Radio Onda Puerto de la Cruz, Radio Ecca Puerto de la Cruz and on Radio Televisión Canaria (RTVC - regional);
o Airing of a special programme dedicated to \"\"La Noche de los Volcanes” on Radio Nacional de España (national);
o Orgnaisation of 5 press conferences, and publication of related press releases in different venues of the Canary islands;
o Annoucements during public events, such as invited talks, conferences at University of La Laguna and Las Palmas, meetings as European Geophysical Union, EGU....);
o Revamping, constant updating and maintenance of project website, namely www.nochedevolcanes.es (main\"

Final results

\"Collection, analysis and processing of 1.003 feedbacks, namely pre-event questionnaires, interviews of teachers prior to the event, questionnaires filled in in situ, interviews post-event;
Main conclusions:
o Typology of visitors: over 64 % aged over 35, over the half living in a place counting as a maximum 50.000 inhabitants, over 46 % having a universityd degree, over 54 % accompanied by family, over 44 % having an interest in the topics dealt with before participating, over 84 % newcomers;
o Knowledge about the events: over 30 % public advertising (posters and leaflets in public places, libraires, bars, restaurants, tourist offices…), over 19 % word of mouth (family, friends), over 11 % through social networks (Facebook);
o Overall positive feedback regarding the events themselves (over 82 % satisfied or very satisfied) (activities, interest, contacts with researchers, scheduling, concrete organisation, venues, locations);
o Most successful activities: scientific talks, documentaries, \"\"ask a scientist\"\", live concert, excursion, star gazing, wine tasting;
o Improved public opinion about scientists and their work (over 78 % responders and 75 % of new comers) after having taken part in the events; (worth noting that about 15 % of responders stated that they already had a good opinion of scientists and their work before participating in the event);
Suggestions for further improvements by attendees:
o Choice of another day than Friday (working day);
o Reinforcement and extension of the promotional actions;
o Inclusion of more practical, interactive and entertaining programme elements (e.g. more hand-on experiments, science shows or workshops for adults);
o Broadening of the scope of topics covered through the inclusion of other scientific disciplines in the programme (such as astronomy, oceanograpgy, robotics, nanothechnology etc.);
o Reinforced multi-linguism of the programme (English, other languages);
o Reinforced schools\' involvement, multiplication of activities specficially addressing children.\"

Website & more info

More info: http://www.nochedevolcanes.es Common website for Spanish projects.