Katowice in Poland is the European City of Science this year (more info about the programme at the bottom of this article). It will be the last year that this title is awarded to one city. Under the current Horizon Europe Widening Participation and strengthening the European Research Area (Widera) work programme the call Science comes to town is open for applications (call deadline 25 September 17:00 CET) and it is expected that one consortium of European cities will be funded.

This group should organize a year-long programme promoting R&I in Europe and fostering dialogue and exchange on science and its role in society, improve communication of science to the public, enhance the discussion and debate on the future of science and R&I policy in Europe, and it is expected that the project contributes to improved appeal of younger generations to careers in R&I through organizing European-wide science competitions i.e. EUCYS, EU TalentOn and similar activities.  

All expected outcomes, the scope and call specific conditions can be consulted on the Science comes to town call topic page on the European Commission Funding and Tenders Portal. The call was presented during an info day and contains a testimonial from the director of the 2022 European City of Science Leiden (recording and slides).

The European network of science centres and museums (ecsite) has published a call for its full members (for at least the past two years) to participate in a proposal under the coordination of Ciência Viva, the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture in Portugal. Deadline for expression of interest is 31 July. Ecsite has organised a first info session (recording) and plans a second one on 29 August. More information about the proposal they are preparing and their next steps is available on their website.  

European City of Science 2024 Katowice

Katowice in Poland is the European City of Science in 2024. The year-long programme and activities are published on the dedicated website. Part of this years’ European City of Science programme was the 11th edition of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in June with the theme ‘Life changes science’. During the event scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists and citizens discussed the latest scientific achievements, the arts and their impact on society.

What lies ahead is the second edition of the EU TalentOn contest. During EU TalentOn a group of selected researchers between the ages of 21 and 35 years old, will work in a team to come up with the best scientific solutions for challenges linked to one of the five EU missions. The contest finale will take place between 9-14 September in Katowice.

Furthermore Katowice is hosting the 35th edition of the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) This competition is open to young scientists aged 14 to 20 who have won first prize at their national science competition and have been nominated to represent their national contests at EUCYS which takes place also from 9 to 14 September.