Science,
Society & Citizens
Science, Society & Citizens
Citizen engagement is vital to creating a European Research Area that is open, trusted, and aligned with societal needs. By involving citizens in co-designing agendas, co-creating research, and co-assessing results, research and innovation become more relevant, impactful, and trusted. Active engagement strengthens the quality of science, enhances accountability, and builds stronger links between research and society.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2025–2027), citizen engagement is addressed through the structural policy “Enhancing Trust in Science through Citizen Participation, Engagement and Science Communication.” This policy focuses on developing common approaches for public engagement in R&I, scaling up successful practices from national to EU level, and delivering innovative ways to engage citizens inclusively around science and its role in society.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2022–2024), the action “Bring Science Closer to Citizens” promoted citizen engagement through education, training, co-creation, and citizen science initiatives. The aim was to empower local communities, foster trust, and ensure that R&I results resonate with and benefit society at large.
ERA tools and resources
Are you looking for tools, resources, and initiatives that connect citizens with research and innovation in Europe?
EU-Citizen.Science Platform
The European platform for sharing citizen science projects, tools, and resources.
EU TalentOn
Science competition for early career researchers who work in team to creative innovative and marketable solutions supported by senior scientists and entrepreneurs.
EU Contest for Young Scientists
International science fair bringing together young scientists aged 14 to 20 who present their scientific projects to win prestigious awards.
European Competence Centre for Science Communication
A European hub supporting science communication through tools, training and best practices, helping organisations strengthen engagement with society.
Mutual Learning Exercises on Citizen Science and Public Engagement and Science Communication
Exchanges between Member States on how to build capacity and scale effective practices.
Source: ERA Policy Platform, INSPIRING ERA
INSPIRING ERA activities
Discover key insights, event materials, and practical resources from INSPIRING ERA activities that support citizen engagement and help bring science closer to society across Europe:
- How can we effectively measure and enhance the impact of public engagement actions to unlock its full potential?
Materials from the INSPIRING ERA Exchange held on 3 December 2024.
- Engaging EU Citizen in Science
Factsheet on Bringing Science Closer to Citizens. - Engaging citizens with science: Insights and success stories from across Europe
Materials from the European Online Event held on 27 January 2026.
Related EU projects and initiatives
- COALESCE – Co-creating the European Competence Centre for Science Communication (2023-2027)
COALESCE consolidates knowledge, resources and tools, builds a Science Communication Academy, and engages diverse communities to strengthen science communication across Europe. - REINFORCING (2023-2027)
The European Platform for Open and Responsible R&I Practices. - Plastic Pirates – Go Europe! (2022-2025)
A large-scale citizen science campaign engaging young people across 13 European countries to monitor plastic pollution in rivers and coasts. (plastic-pirates.eu) - Science Comes To Town
A 365-day-programme in the cities of Kiel, Brest, and Split in 2026, linking scientific institutions, innovation ecosystems, and citizens across Europe. - European City for Science (2022-2024)
Launched during the European Year of Youth, showcasing how cities can act as hubs for science, innovation, and citizen engagement. Held in Leiden, the Netherlands in 2022 and Katowice, Poland in 2024. - European Researchers’ Night
Europe’s largest science outreach event, bringing science to the public in cities across the continent. - Researchers at Schools
Connecting scientists directly with classrooms to inspire curiosity and strengthen science education. - BEYOND – Beyond Bad Apples (2023-2025)
BEYOND promotes a research culture that follows the highest standards of research ethics and research integrity and fosters public trust in science.
- OTTER – Learning science outside the classroom for a sustainable future (2021-2024)
OTTER promotes learning beyond the classroom, engaging students in STEAM subjects while strengthening citizen science within the European Research Area. - European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA)
European network of public engagement professionals in the fields of research, innovation and education who share the common goal of involving societal actors in the lifecycle of knowledge creation. - European Citizen Science Association (ECSA)
A membership organisation with the goals to increase the democratisation of science, encourage the growth of citizen science in Europe, and support the participation of the general public in research processes. - IMPETUS (2022-2026)
Runs an accelerator to fund and recognise high-impact citizen science. - ScienceUs (2024-2026)
Upscales, connects, and funds citizen science initiatives focused on adaptation to climate change.
