RESEARCH FUN · Research Fun for Society

The main objective of the Project is to raise the awareness of the larger public, especially young people, about science as well as to familiarize them with the scientist’s profession; to show the impact of sciences such as biology, chemistry and environmental science on everyday human life; to show researchers as ordinary people; to bring researchers closer to the Latvian society and to attract young people to research careers. Aim of the activities is to enhance public recognitionof researchers and their role in Latvian society. The theme of the Research Fun in Latvia is “Life in diversity”. The theme will not be strictly followed. A number of relaxing, attractive, amazing and interactive events will be organised in five towns - Riga, Daugavpils, Rezekne, Jelgava and Ventspils. The project will be realised by joint efforts of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 4 Universities, several research institutes and with participation of museums and library. The Research Fun will be preceded by a promotion campaign in mass media. The scope of activities will include development of a European stand, organisation of a Café Scientifique; scenic play performed by researchers; arranging a series of events with scientific interactive experiments, meetings discussions and quizzes in research institutes and universities. An opinion survey will be performed to size up the viewpoints of public on the event and researchers’ profession. The opinion poll results and analysis of Internet comments on the event will allow to evaluate the impact of Research Fun and collect ideas for future activities. The event will be documented in video-film for demonstration on TV and recording in DVD for wide distribution.