Science communication
We have a national responsibility for science communication. We work to make research more accessible, relevant and interesting across groups in society, and to promote implementation of research results. To achieve this, we organise everything from open breakfast meetings to a science festival.
It is essential to maintain an ongoing dialogue about research activities and research results and how they can help to create value and solve societal challenges. The Research Council offers activities designed for various target groups as well as programmes dedicated to promoting science communication.
National Science Week in Norway is one of the largest science festivals in Europe. Research and knowledge institutions across the country offer the public at large insight into their research efforts. Activities during the festival include everything from open laboratories to science debate, researcher stand-up presentations, lectures and quizzes. Most events are free of charge and open to everyone. The festival is held every year for two weeks in late September.
The Nysgjerrigper Science Knowledge Project is organised by the Research Council for children in primary and secondary school and their teachers. Its purpose is to teach children what research involves and focuses on, and to let them try research themselves. School classes may use the Research Council’s procedures for scientific method in schools.
The regional science centres provide a popular scientific experience as well as a learning centre for mathematics, the natural sciences and technology. The centres are designed to convey the excitement of scientific work and experiments. The Research Council administers a funding scheme for the science centres.