SEER · From Sea to Etna with European Researchers

The role of researchers is very important for the growth of European Union’s competitiveness and for the well being of society.However, the work they do is still not sufficiently known and the stereotyped image of researchers as people detached from reality and thoroughly concentrated in their activity, in some cases, still exists.The main objective of the SEER project consists of bringing researchers closer to people and making citizens understand that their work is very important for their daily life. The SEER proposal is managed by Catania University in cooperation with all scientific and research organisations active in the city. As such, it is expected to reach a large audience.People participating in the Night of Researchers should become aware of what researchers do and understand that they are “ordinary” people with the same hobbies, dreams and amusements as everyone. During the event, numerous both amusing and interesting activities will be carried out with the active involvement of researchers, who will let people discover the world of researchers and science and in such way contribute to encourage children and young people to consider a future scientific career.The Night of Researchers will not only create a bridge between researchers and people but also contribute to eliminate the stereotyped idea of the researcher. Moreover, the support of European Union and the simultaneous organisation of the Researchers’ Night on September 26th in all participating countries (except in Israel) will give great emphasis to the event.As a consequence, the Night of Researchers is expected to have a significant impact on people and, more generally, on the territory.