TALK0 · Km0 Talent: Connecting local science with the citizens of Carballo

The TALK0 project ""Km0 Talent, connecting local science with the citizens of Carballo”, wants to turn this dynamic rural municipality of Galicia into a European model of scientific dissemination. During 2026-2028, it will connect science with more than 4,000 citizens through two editions of the European Researchers' Night (2026 and 2027), of the continuous program researchers in schools, which will reach 60% of students and activities in everyday spaces of the municipality. Its innovative approach is based on three pillars: 1) It uses the local thematic axes Sea-Land-Industry as living laboratories that demonstrate how European research solves global challenges with proximity solutions, aligning with EU missions. 2) Hybridize science with attractive formats such as science microtheater, science slams, and other activities in markets or bars, ensuring that 30% of participants are new audiences who have never attended a science event. 3) Ensure sustainability by creating the first Local Council of Science and Innovation in Galicia.Each Researchers' Night will mobilize 1,000 participants: With close dissemination events, the main event (last Friday in September) with science fair, marine demonstrations, scientific monologue competition and other formats, and post-events such as coffee with scientists. The project, coordinated by the Carballo Local Municipality, involves 60 researchers with gender parity, connecting academia (Universidade da Coruña, Academia Joven de España), with the public administration, and local companies.The expected social impact is to democratize access to knowledge in rural settings, combat the STEM gender gap by creating local female role models, and make the motto ""the EU in everyday shift"" tangible. The results will be disseminated through a multi-channel strategy that will reach 50,000 people, documenting a replicable model for 10 other European rural municipalities.""