VERITY Project Participates in the European Research Area Conference: Advancing Citizen Engagement in Science Policy
On September 18, 2024, the VERITY Project, represented by Dr. Agata Gurzawska, participated in the European Research Area (ERA) Conference: Fostering Greater Integration. Advancing Competitiveness, held at the European Commission in Brussels.
The conference, attended by over 400 in-person participants and streamed by around 640 online viewers, brought together European and national stakeholders to shape the future of research and innovation (R&I) policy as the current ERA Policy Agenda (2022-2024) nears its conclusion.
Dr. Gurzawska facilitated discussions in the session “Enhancing Trust in Science via Citizen Engagement,” which explored the role of public engagement (PE) in shaping national R&I policies. This session, organized in a World Café format, allowed participants to engage in two rounds of roundtable discussions on:
- Drivers and Opportunities for Public Engagement in R&I
- Challenges and Barriers for Public Engagement in R&I
The session was moderated by Cissi Askwall from Public & Science Sweden and featured hosts from key EU-funded projects, including VERITY, REINFORCING, COALESCE, and others. Discussions highlighted the importance of citizen involvement in science, focusing on how public engagement can enhance trust, shape policies, and foster better societal impact. Barriers such as the need for clearer frameworks and better incentives were also explored.
This session, along with other breakout panels, is part of a broader ERA effort to enhance public engagement in science and build trust through cooperation between researchers, policy-makers, and citizens. The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to the forthcoming ERA Policy Agenda (2025-2027).
Inspiring keynotes by Janez Potočnik, former European Commissioner for Science and Research, and Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, set the stage for the conference. Plenary sessions addressed critical topics such as inclusive gender equality in research, scientific freedom, and boosting investments in R&I.
A full report on the conference will be available in November 2024, which will offer a detailed overview of the key takeaways.
In the meantime, watch the video showcasing significant milestones achieved by the European Research Area and its impact on building a single market for research, innovation, and technology here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYPFWTSui4s&t=1s.
For more information, visit the official conference website: ERA Conference 2024
Stay tuned for the full report coming in November!