Connecting science and society: Insights from the European Research Council’s 2026 Public Engagement Award winners

The European Research Council will celebrate the eight winners of its 2026 Public Engagement with Research Award at a special session during European Research and Innovation Days in Brussels.

From music and cardiovascular health to climate-adaptive forests, tickling and neuroscience, women’s rights, the human microbiome, artificial intelligence in healthcare, platform workers and theatre, the winning projects demonstrate the many ways researchers can open up their work to society.

In a dialogue with the 2026 Public Engagement with Research Award winners, hear what they have tried, what they have learnt and what makes public engagement work.

The discussion will be moderated by Luke O’Neill, member of the ERC Scientific Council and Professor of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, and Mirko Bischofberger, founder of Science Studios.

Read more about the eight winning projects in the ERC press release.

Join us online to celebrate the eight PERA winners and hear their stories. The online joining link will be available on the R&I Days platform, where you can also explore the full programme and attend other sessions.