Introduction
In response to growing societal challenges, the scientific community is taking action through initiatives like the European Horizon missions. However, these efforts are often hindered by the spread of fake news in social circles. The 11th edition of the ERN project, led by the University of Maribor, aims to address this issue by engaging with national and local media, primary and secondary schools, and the scientific community. Its primary objectives include raising awareness about researchers, enhancing their positive image, highlighting the societal benefits of science, promoting curiosity, and developing skills to identify fake news and access reliable information, particularly through Open Science.
Additionally, the project seeks to inspire young individuals to pursue careers in research by involving researchers in intensive awareness campaigns, organising edutainment activities during the European Research Nights in 2024 and 2025, collaborating with schools, and strengthening researchers’ competencies and communication skills for effective engagement with non-research audiences.
Measuring the impact of initiatives aimed at addressing challenges related to fake news and promoting the positive image of scientists and the benefits of their work can be complex yet crucial. It often requires a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the project’s influence on individuals and society as comprehensively as possible.
In the project evaluation, we will address the following objectives:
- Strengthening the public, especially the younger generation, with the knowledge and skills to recognise fake news and access reliable information.
- Bridging the gap between research and the public by increasing awareness of research and innovation activities. The project aims to enhance public recognition of science and research education, fostering a closer relationship between researchers and the general public.
- Highlighting the societal and economic role of researchers and demonstrating the impact of their work on citizens’ daily lives. By showcasing the significance of researchers’ contributions, the project emphasises the importance of scientific research for society and the economy.
- Sparking young people’s interest in research and encouraging them to pursue scientific careers. The project aims to promote research and scientific achievements to inspire the younger generation to develop a passion for research and consider scientific career paths.
The 6 research studies below will be implemented in 2024 and 2025 in the Slovenian geographic area:
- A public opinion survey regarding science and scientists.
- A self-perception and community involvement survey for researchers.
- Studies on the significance of enhancing critical thinking skills and improving the quality of applying knowledge in practical daily life:
(3a) on a sample of teachers and
(3b) on a sample of young people. - Participation Metrics.
- Media Coverage and Reach and Website and Social Media Analytics.
- Visitors’ satisfaction with the ERN main event survey & evaluation of the importance of the researchers’ participation in events such as the ERN among researchers involved in the ERN main event.
By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, we aim to understand the project's influence on individuals and society comprehensively. The findings of the research studies will be published on this oooScience! Project website.
Join us on this exciting journey to bridge the gap between science and the public, promote critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of researchers!