RN2008CZ · The Researchers Night 2008 in the Czech Republic

The partners entering this project want to play a part in changing the current public attitudes towards researchers. They welcome the opportunity to introduce researchers as ordinary people who are involved in the ordinary life the same way as the others, as well as the chance to show the public how the researchers contribute to the well-being of the society. The activities planned for the event aim at breaking the barriers between the researchers and the large public by bringing these two groups together, merging them into one, letting them cooperate and experience amusing activities together. The visitors will discover that the researchers are no boring patrons locked up in a distant lab but living and vital people whose job not only is interesting and exciting but also gives results that we utilize in our everyday life. It will be emphasized that there is no need to be a genius to become a researcher, and particularly the young visitors should leave the event convinced that a scientific career is something that comes into question for them when they make decisions about their professional way. To make as many people aware of the upcoming event and to communicate the message of the event also to non-comers, awareness campaign is planned for the project. The role of the European Commission in supporting this particular event will be clearly explained and the EC will be presented as an institution that continuously and largely supports research Europe-wide.