Magazine
Current issue 1-2025
Public engagement in science
The ERC's Public Engagement with Research Award (PERA) celebrates outstanding science communicators among ERC grantees who successfully engage audiences beyond their scientific discipline. This edition of ERC Magazine brings together perspectives from the 2024 PERA winners, whose approaches - ranging from citizen science to media outreach and interactive public engagement - demonstrate how frontier research can be made accessible, transparent, and engaging for all. Complementing these interviews, Professor Luke O'Neill, member of the ERC Scientific Council and renowned science communicator, reflects on why public engagement matters for scientists, and how it enriches both their work and their connection with society.
Editorial – Why public engagement with research matters
The importance of public engagement in research cannot be overstated in an era where scientific advancements shape our world. The ERC’s Public Engagement in Research Award (PERA) plays a significant role in encouraging ERC-funded researchers to share their work with the…
The importance of public engagement in research cannot be overstated in an era where scientific advancements shape our world. The ERC’s Public…
The importance of public engagement in research cannot be overstated in an era where scientific advancements shape our world. The ERC’s Public Engagement in Research Award (PERA) plays a significant role in encouraging ERC-funded researchers to share their work with the…
Featured articles
Editorial – Why public engagement with research matters
The importance of public engagement in research cannot be overstated in an era where scientific advancements shape our world. The ERC’s Public Engagement in Research Award (PERA) plays a significant role in encouraging ERC-funded researchers to…
Communicating complex ideas for societal change
Through media engagement, policy advocacy, and public discourse following a tragic murder case in Ireland, Orla Muldoon has advanced public understanding of gender-based violence, leading to concrete policy changes.The murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23…
Helping families through public health crises
Lucie Cluver transformed her evidence-based parenting programme into accessible multimedia resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. By mobilising NGOs, volunteers, and social media influencers, her outreach efforts reached millions of families…
From dig sites to digital screens
By collaborating with artists, filmmakers, and game designers Philipp Stockhammer creates content that resonates far beyond the field of archaeology. He sees public engagement as both a responsibility and a source of personal fulfilment.A…
Bringing food science to the public
Mathilde Touvier helps shape the conversation around science and public health. She provides tools for informed food choices and advocates for policies that aim to make healthier options more accessible to all.‘Everyone makes daily food choices,…
Breaking waves: science in the Aran Islands
Frédéric Dias integrated local expertise from Ireland’s Aran Islands into ocean wave research, advancing science and strengthening community resilience.‘As part of the HIGHWAVE project, we built a research station on the Aran Islands to observe the…
How science meets community to create impact
Tobias Hauser has bridged the gap between neuroscience and community needs by co-creating an interactive resource on obsessive-compulsive disorder. Imagine being trapped in a cycle of unwanted thoughts and compulsions, unable to break free. This is…
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