The second edition of Science Comes to Town, the European Commission’s flagship initiative for public engagement with science, has officially been launched – bringing research and innovation directly into communities across Europe.
Funded under Horizon Europe, the 2027 edition will see four cities take centre stage: Aarhus (Denmark), Genoa (Italy), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Oeiras (Portugal). Over the course of a year, they will design and implement an ambitious programme of activities aimed at strengthening citizens’ trust in science and deepening engagement with research and innovation at the local level.
The initiative was formally launched during a partners’ meeting held in Rome on 11–13 May, at which 15 European organisations met to begin planning the programme.
Bringing science into everyday life
At its core, Science Comes to Town is built on a shift in approach: instead of asking citizens to come to science, it brings science to them.
Activities will take place in familiar public spaces – from parks and libraries to community centres – creating opportunities for dialogue, participation, and hands-on discovery. The goal is not only to communicate scientific results, but to make research more accessible, relevant, and embedded in everyday life.
This reflects a broader ambition within the European Research Area to strengthen the relationship between science and society by involving citizens more directly in research and innovation processes.
A programme aligned with Europe’s priorities
The second edition, running into 2027 under the Science4Everyone framework, will deliver more than 1,400 participatory events across the four host cities and beyond.
These activities are structured around the European Union’s five missions, including climate adaptation, cancer prevention, ocean and water restoration, climate-neutral cities, and soil health. By linking local engagement with these priorities, the initiative connects citizens directly with the challenges shaping Europe’s future.
Flagship events will include two major European competitions:
- The EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS 2027), to be held in Genoa
- The EU TalentOn competition for early-career researchers (2027), to be hosted in Kaunas
Both aim to showcase emerging talent and inspire future careers in research and innovation.
Building on a programme already underway
The launch of the second edition comes as the first edition of Science Comes to Town is already in full swing.
Throughout 2026, a 365-day programme is taking place across Kiel (Germany), Brest (France), and Split (Croatia), as well as additional satellite cities across Europe. These ongoing activities are already demonstrating how science can be integrated into urban life and connected with diverse communities.
A long-term vision for science engagement
With €6 million in funding under Horizon Europe’s WIDERA programme, Science Comes to Town is part of a broader effort to enhance public trust in science and increase societal engagement with research and innovation.
The initiative is also set to continue beyond this edition, with future calls already included in the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027 for editions planned in 2028 and 2029.
