Science Comes to Town launches in Split

Science Comes to Town, a new flagship European initiative to boost citizens’ trust and engagement in science, was officially launched in Split, Croatia. European, national and local representatives joined scientists and innovators to mark the start of a year-long programme of activities across Europe.

The initiative aims to bring science out of laboratories and into public spaces, turning cities into key arenas where science, society and policy meet. It will promote direct interaction between researchers, policymakers and citizens, with a special focus on young people.

The opening event brought together Croatia’s Minister of Science, Education and Youth, Radovan Fuchs, representatives of the European Commission, and delegations from the three partner cities: Split, Kiel (Germany) and Brest (France). In a video message, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva underlined the Commission’s commitment to fostering dialogue between science and citizens.

Supported with €6 million under the WIDERA Work Programme of Horizon Europe, Science Comes to Town will run activities in the three core cities and six satellite cities until the end of 2026. The initiative contributes to the European Research Area and to a “fifth freedom” of research, innovation and technology, making science more visible, tangible and relevant in everyday life.

For more information:

Science Comes to Town