Our Science 2021

ended

The impact of researchers' work on society and citizens has never been more apparent than now. Unprecedented challenges such as climate changes and fast-spreading global pandemic, calls for science to react - and the role of researchers is crucial. At the same time, there is an impending risk of loosing citizens' trust in science, due to increased amount of misinformation about science and research. Therefore, it is important to promote the key role that researchers have for the development and growth of our societies in a national and international context, and for keeping the public informed about critical challenges and scientific discoveries that have an impact on our daily lives. In Iceland, science has a crucial role to play in a society that relies to a great extent on nature and responsible use of natural resources, from renewable energy and sustainable blue growth to societal and cultural implications of living at the edge of the Arctic. In order to ensure and facilitate interaction with the public and society at large, the project Our Science aims to organise European Researchers Night in Iceland, inviting researchers to engage with the public to communicate their work, their passion and their findings in order to increase the awareness of research and innovation activities. The objective is to enhance a positive public perception of researchers by facilitiating an open and active dialogue between researchers and citizens of all ages, especially focusing on children and young people that could consider a career in research. In addition to higlighting the importance of researchers work, the initiative provides a rare opportunity for researchers to communicate directly with the public at all ages and even to involve citizens in the road to scientific discoveries, thus contributing to the transparency of their work and enhancing the attractiveness of scientific careers, which is instrumental in encouraging young people to embark on a career in science.