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,…
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…
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…
Research stories - from webcomics to local bookstores
Art has long been used as a means to communicate science. In ancient Greece, poetry was a powerful way of communicating about mathematics, astrology and the natural world. Fast forward 13 centuries, past the invention of the printing press which saw…
Scicomm with museums – make it work for you
High-level researchers are occasionally called away from their labs and scientific publishing to talk to the general public about their work. But how can these events be organised so that everyone involved feels the benefits? One way to smooth this…
