Abstract:

Many communities remain on the fringes of scientific engagement, particularly in rural areas such as Armamar and Resende in Portugal, where access to science is a distant dream. Situated in Portugal's interior, these communities confront distinctive challenges, including diminishing populations, an aging demographic, and geographical remoteness from universities and scientific institutions. Consequently, there are few opportunities of contact with science and scientists. This work explores how European Researchers' Night (ERN), a Europe-wide celebration of science, defied tradition by tackling rural landscapes, particularly the villages of Armamar and Resende, on September 29th 2023. The event attracts each year more than 1.5 million participants all over Europe, but it typically thrives in urban settings, which benefit from strong institutional and academic support, and Portugal is not an exception.

Recognizing the potential for bridging the science gap in these environments, alliances with local and national partners were established, including Municipalities of Armamar and Resende, the school clusters of Resende and Gomes Teixeira (in Armamar), Gomes Teixeira Science Academy (GOMA), Os Afonsinhos (Youth Soccer School), Academia and ERN Consortium- University of Coimbra.

This resulted in two exceptional ERN events, one held in Armamar and the other in Resende, notably emphasizing these locations' unique rural contexts. Their primary focus was prioritizing the decentralization of science, equal access and making science accessible to all. These two events collectively drew participation from over 250 attendees representing various age groups. This approach also involved the efforts of more than 35 researchers, a substantial number of whom are native from these communities. These researchers were actively engaged in outreach activities encompassing hands-on experiments, flash talks and interactive sessions, all designed to render intricate scientific concepts comprehensible to non-specialist audiences. Moreover, the ERN served as a platform for these researchers to enhance their science communication skills, through a specialized workshop supporting their abilities to effectively communicate scientific topics to non-specialized audiences. One of the most remarkable moments of these initiatives was the synergy created between over 55 secondary students from the two public schools and the researchers through the "Adopt a Scientist" program. This initiative allowed students to interact directly with scientists, contributing as volunteers in organizing ERN, demonstrating their commitment to science and the event with the aim to deepen their interest in various science fields.

Given the scale of the event, the evaluation process was primarily carried out in Armamar. Results from this assessment exhibited resoundingly favorable outcomes. The majority of participants expressed an increased desire to explore science (98%), an increase in their awareness that their communities were home to many scientists (89%), an understanding of science's potential to address local issues (93%), and an eagerness to collaborate with scientists as active citizens (97%).

The European Researchers' Night in Armamar and Resende was a testament to equal access, opportunities and inspiration. This journey illustrates the transformative potential of community involvement and the pivotal role of science in sculpting a brighter future, regardless of where we call home.

Keywords:

Public engagement, Rural territories, Science access, Equity, Community empowerment, European Researchers' Night.