The Value of Identity – Public Engagement Beyond Boundaries on May 15-16, 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia

The European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA) and Ilia State University are delighted to announce the Call for Proposals for the EUSEA Conference 2024. We invite researchers, practitioners, educators, and enthusiasts in the field of Public Engagement to submit their proposals for interactive workshops, dialogue-sessions, horizon talks, and posters. Submissions should strive to address the conference theme 2024:

The Value of Identity – Public Engagement Beyond Boundaries

List of Topics

We live in times in which the world is becoming increasingly interconnected via shared challenges – and yet fundamentally fragmented in how to address them. In the midst of disruption, the EUSEA Conference 2024 will examine how public engagement can bridge divisions and foster meaningful relations between science and societies across and beyond boundaries.

We invite proposals that explore the multifaceted nature of “identity” and its influence on public engagement with research and innovation. These topics show the range of this year’s theme – feel free to submit sessions with a different angle if you consider them relevant to our field:

• Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: How can public engagement acknowledge and leverage diverse socio-cultural identities to foster inclusive and accessible interactions?
• Science Communication and Public Perception: What role does identity play in shaping public attitudes, beliefs, and understanding of scientific topics? How can we effectively communicate science across different identities and communities?
• Indigenous Knowledge and Local Wisdom: How can traditional knowledge systems and local perspectives be integrated into science engagement practices to promote inclusive perspectives and social cohesion?
• Citizen Science and Participatory Engagement: How can citizen science projects empower individuals and communities to actively participate in scientific processes while respecting their cultural and social identities?
• Ethics, Responsible Research, and Innovation: How can public engagement activities navigate ethical considerations and involve diverse stakeholders in shaping research and innovation agendas?
• Alternative Identities: How can we create safe and inclusive spaces within science engagement activities for individuals that do not fit within the mold of the mainstream identity paradigm? How can we ensure equal participation and representation of individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences and sensitivities so that they feel entitled to fully contribute their unique insights in co-creation and engagement?
• Creative Methods and Approaches to Open Innovation: What novel strategies, technologies, and methodologies can stimulate public engagement with science while addressing identity-related challenges?

Submission Guidelines

We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. Proposals are invited that delve into various aspects of identity, such as cultural, gender, socioeconomic, and disciplinary identities, and examine their influence on public engagement. We encourage participants to share insights, research findings, and best practices related to identity-driven approaches in science communication, citizen science, participatory research, science festivals, and other science engagement initiatives.

Proposals can be submitted in the following formats:

• 8-Min Horizon Talks: These short presentations should be informative and engaging, providing insights, research findings, or practical examples related to the conference theme.
• 90-Min Scenario Workshops: These workshops should be interactive and participatory, involving the audience in hands-on activities, discussions, or collaborative exercises. Workshops may focus on specific tools, methodologies, or strategies for effective public engagement.
• 45-Min Dialogue Sessions: These sessions should bring in different speakers and perspectives. Dialogue sessions should allow at least 50% of time for discussion and reflection.
• Poster Pitches: Creative poster presentations provide an opportunity to showcase projects, research, or innovative ideas in a visual format.