MEDNIGHT GTS | Mediterranean Researchers' Night Goes To School

The Mediterranean regions of Murcia and the Valencian Community share the same sea and horizon. A symbol of a collective future with great common environmental, technological, economic and social challenges. The contributions of bi-regional R+D+i are necessary to face these challenges, as well as it is necessary to ensure their continuity. Children and young people need to have a positive image of R+D+i, feel identified with it through inclusive and balanced gender referents and know the possibilities of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and research careers. Society also needs critical citizens without extreme positions not based on evidence that can weaken civic awareness and trust in democratic institutions.

The main objective of Mediterranean Researchers' Night Goes To School (MEDNIGHT GTS) is to implement a robust program of activities that brings research closer to society and vice versa. For this, it will use multiple informative formats (talks, workshops, shows, contests ...) and methodological resources (entertainment, humour, surprise ...). The topics covered will be both the great challenges posed by the Horizon Program, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal, as well as the science of daily life.

MEDNIGHT GTS contemplates two major actions: Researchers at Schools (RaS) and European Researchers' Night (ERN). RaS encourages the interaction of researchers and students, emphasizing the stimulation of scientific vocations, gender equality and inclusiveness. ERN makes researchers and general public interact, focusing on critical thinking, scientific culture and citizen science. A realistic awareness campaign will be used to secure the audience and a solvent assessment to measure the outreaches and impacts. The project is managed and coordinated by a neutral partner, who pursues the creation of a collaborative infrastructure between project partners and stakeholders that avoids duplication of effort.