RESEARCH FUN · RESEARCHER'S NIGHT IN LATVIA

The main objective of the Projectis 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 astronomy, chemistry, medical science, and physics 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 recognition of researchers and their role in Latvian society. The theme of the Researcher's Night in Latvia is “Stars in our lives”. The theme will not be strictly followed. A number of relaxing, attractive, amazing and interactive events will be organised in fīve towns - Riga, Daugavpils, Rezekne, Jelgava and Ventspils. The project will be realised by joint efforts of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 4 Universities, and research institutes with participation of museums and library. The Researchers’ Night will be preceded by a promotion campaign in mass media. The scope of activities will include a poster competition among children and adults, establishing a European stand, organising a Café Scientifique; a concert with participation of musicians – researchers; scenic play performed by researchers; public meeting with Marie Curie scholarship holders; arranging a series of events with scientific interactive experiments 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 Researchers’ Night 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.