European Researchers Night in Sweden 2017-2019
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | VETENSKAP & ALLMÄNHET - Vetenskap & Allmänhet VA |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 540 000 |
| Project duration | January 2017 - March 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The science festival ForskarFredag takes place on the last Friday and Saturday of September across Sweden. The event has been organised since 2006 and is part of European Researchers´ Night. The aim is to increase awareness about researchers and their work, inspire people to take an interest in science and research, improve understanding of how research affects our daily lives, and challenge stereotypical images of scientists. The goal is to increase interest in higher education and research and to promote dialogue between researchers and the public, in particular young people.
Expected results and effects
During the project period, three rounds of the science festival ForskarFredag were carried out: September 29, 2017; September 28-29, 2018; and September 27-28 2019. ForskarFredag has reached a total of 49,000 visitors of all ages and engaged 1,600 researchers. The funds have been used for coordination, marketing, joint activities and evaluation. A proposal to the European Commission was submitted under the call "European Researchers´ Night", part of Horizon 2020. The proposal was accepted with a good score (GA 818421).
Planned approach and implementation
VA (Public & Science) coordinates ForskarFredag in collaboration with the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova and the European Commission (EC) with financial support from national organisations. The local events are organised by local organisers. To allow VA to apply for and report back on the European funding as well as to co-ordinate and promote ForskarFredag during periods when EU funds are not available, there is a partnership in place between the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova and VA. This partnership involves advice, in-kind contributions and financial support.