ReN 2013 · 2013 RESEARCHERS’ NIGHT: The Greek Events

Researchers are usually regarded as persons with limited personal life and needs who devote their lives solely to their research goals in remote, closed laboratories. To this end, primary objective of the ReN2013 project is to alter this misperception and present researchers as ordinary people that have interests other than of their profession, have families and friends and in general do not differ from the majority of the public. For this reason, the five events that will be organized in five major cities of Greece, i.e. Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklio and Volos, have been designed based on one key element: the active participation of researchers throughout the duration of events so as to change this misperception. Dozens of researchers will be present in all events so as to discuss with the public not only about their profession but about daily issues like movies, fashion etc as well. In some cases, the foreseen activities move beyond theory to practice with, activities like, mini football tournaments with mixed teams from public and researchers.Furthermore, the events give an excellent opportunity to promote the importance of researchers and the significance of research results to Greece and to the European society in general. In times of global economic crisis that especially lashes out at Greece, concerns are grown more and more regarding the necessity of research and the right utilisation of funding spent on it. ReN2013 project shows, through a number of scientific exhibits, the necessity of research in the development of the society and demonstrates that research is used as a reliable solution to overcome the crisis.