Annette KLINKERT, EUSEA, Austria
Cissi ASKWALL, EUSEA, Austria
Philipp BURKARD, EUSEA, Austria
Aleksandra DRECUN, EUSEA, Austria
The Covid-19 crisis has created a new visibility and understanding of science and research as reliable sources of information. At the same time, the complexity of the pandemic has led to a new need for scientists to act as partners in local, regional and national innovation ecosystems. While the crisis has created a greater appetite to understand science, it has but also triggered discussions about the involvement of engaged researchers in decision-making processes on local, national and international levels.
The demand to contextualize science and enter public debates on pressing socio-economic challenges has never been as strong as it is today. Is the Public Engagement community prepared to meet these new tasks? Which role can Public Engagement professionals play in qualifying researchers and creating trust in science in multiple publics? Which borders do we need to cross? And which boundaries should we transcend?
This panel will bring together 3 experts representing national Science Engagement Associations and Networks in Europe: Cissi Askwall, President of the European Science Engagement Association, EUSEA and Secretary General of Vetenskap & Allmänhet, Sweden; Aleksandra Drecun, EUSEA Vice President and President of Intersection, Serbia; and Philipp Burkard, Director of Science et Cité, Switzerland. In an open discussion with the audience, the speakers will reflect today’s challenges and opportunities for the European Public Engagement community. The panel will also discuss the role of European networks in developing innovative approaches towards stakeholder and citizen engagement in times of crisis.