Introduction

Description

The goal of the NET project is to lay the foundations for a NETwork connecting the world of research and society, building a stable and empathetic communication path between institutions, researchers, and citizens. This is also enabled by the widespread physical presence of the partners throughout the territory, as the NET consortium is composed of renowned Italian academic and public research institutions.

This network will offer a stable exchange pathway through which researchers can share their passion for science and their work with citizens, who in turn will gain a scientific perspective from their "informed neighbors."

Conveying this idea is the first step in building and planning a research-based society, increasing the number of students pursuing research careers. This path will be opened using conventional and unconventional communication tools, both online and offline, to reach every citizen regardless of age, gender, cultural, or economic background, with particular attention to students and pupils.

NET will bring researchers closer to the general public and increase awareness of research and innovation activities, enhancing public recognition for researchers, fostering understanding of the impact of their work on citizens' daily lives, and promoting choices for a sustainable future.

The main theme of the project is the most relevant and global issue of this millennium: climate change. The goal is to provide citizens with the tools to become conscious participants in collective political choices and in appropriate individual behavior.

The European Researchers’ Night – NET and related activities will take place in 16 Italian cities (from north to south: Brasimone, Chioggia, La Spezia, Ozzano, Civitavecchia, Fiumicino, Frascati, Grottaminarda, Monte Porzio Catone, Rieti, Rocca di Papa, Rome, Tarquinia, Viterbo, Palermo, Portici, Trisaia) and also on Vulcano and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, thus embracing all of Italy in the NET.

NET is a European Researchers’ Night project funded by the European Commission under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions | G.A. 955459

Objectives

• Increase awareness of research and innovation, with particular attention to young people, students, and children;
• Improve understanding of the benefits that research brings to society;
• Disseminate scientific activities in various contexts to foster encounters between researchers and citizens;
• Build and plan a research-based society by increasing the number of people who pursue research careers; promote scientific careers among young students;
• Bring researchers closer to the general public and raise awareness of research and innovation activities, increasing public recognition of researchers and understanding of how their work benefits citizens' everyday lives, promoting choices for a sustainable future;
• Reduce stereotypes about researchers and their profession;
• Increase public knowledge of the European Union.

Ruolo UNINETTUNO

UNINETTUNO participates in all project activities, starting from planning the event program, implementing a massive communication and information plan through its satellite and digital channels and its network of contacts, and then organizing events both during the lead-up to the Researchers’ Night and during the Night itself.

UNINETTUNO is a member of the project’s Steering Committee.