On September 27th, the SHARPER Night (European Researchers' Night) took place in Cagliari, organized by the University of Cagliari. This event, part of a Europe-wide initiative, aims to bring researchers closer to the public and local communities. It is a unique opportunity for the academic world to engage with the general public, offering interactive experiences to share scientific research and innovation. For the research community, it’s a chance to showcase their work, promote scientific literacy, and strengthen ties with society.
The EDUC Team was present with a dedicated booth to share information about the Alliance and its many opportunities. We engaged the public with quizzes featuring questions about the Alliance, and participation was outstanding. It was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and highlight EDUC's initiatives to a broader audience.
Contributing to the well-being of the region
On top of being a celebration of science and research, SHARPER Night serves as a vital platform for communication between academia and the public. Events like this underscore the importance of making science accessible and relevant to our communities, especially in a rapidly evolving world.
For students, in particular, these moments of engagement offer a glimpse into real-world research applications, inspiring future careers in science and innovation. The involvement of universities like Cagliari, and alliances such as EDUC, in these events highlights their role not just in educating students but also in contributing to the overall well-being and progress of the region.
Far from an isolated ivory tower
EDUC, which stands for European Digital UniverCity, carries the word "City" in its acronym for a reason; it represents the people, communities, and cities where universities are embedded. Science communication is at the heart of this connection, serving as a bridge that links the knowledge produced in universities to the communities that surround them.
By actively engaging the public, researchers not only share their work but also ensure that scientific progress is inclusive and beneficial to society as a whole. Through initiatives like SHARPER Night, EDUC reinforces the idea that universities are not isolated ivory towers but integral parts of their cities, driving forward both scientific inquiry and societal development.