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Association Européenne des Expositions Scientifiques, Techniques et Industrielles

AEESTI - ECSITE

Mission Ecsite connects, inspires and empowers science engagement organisations and professionals, extending the reach and strengthening the impact of their work. It brings together more than 320 organisations committed to inspiring people with science and technology and driving science engagement forward with events, projects and publications. Through Ecsite, members take part in European projects, work together on key topics, share knowledge and make their voices heard. Vision A European society where citizens are emboldened to engage and participate in science, and where their contribution to science research and policy plays a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing humankind. Ecsite members' convening power draws more than 40 million citizens each year to science-related debates, exhibitions, workshops, events or platforms.

Lobbying Activity

Response to European Research Area (ERA) Act

1 Sept 2025

From Ecsite The European Network of Science Centres and Museums. Ecsite.eu The Role of Science Communication and Engagement in Excellent and Impactful Research At a time when scientific knowledge is central to addressing societys most pressing challengesclimate and biodiversity crisis, health, energy, digitalisation, polarisation, trust in scienceexcellent research must be coupled with meaningful engagement and communication. Science does not exist in isolation: its value and impact are strengthened when researchers, institutions, and society engaged in open dialogue. Science communication and public engagement are not add-ons, but core components of excellent research. They: Foster Trust and Transparency Openly sharing research processes and results enhances public confidence in science and contributes to evidence-based decision-making. Drive Relevance and Impact Engagement with diverse communities ensures that research addresses real societal needs and integrates different perspectives, making outcomes more robust and applicable. Inspire and Empower Citizens Science communication cultivates curiosity, literacy, and critical thinking, equipping citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic debate and innovation. Support Researchers Engaging with the public together with science communication professionals strengthens researchers skills in clarity, collaboration, and responsiveness, contributing to excellence within their disciplines. Ecsite membersEuropes science centres, museums, and engagement professionalsplay a vital role as trusted intermediaries between research and society. We provide inclusive spaces for dialogue, hands-on learning, and co-creation that amplify the societal benefits of research. For research to be truly excellent and impactful, communication and engagement must be embedded throughout the research cycle: from agenda-setting and design, to dissemination, reflection, and legacy. And it must be done by professional science communicators and funded appropriately. By connecting people with science in ways that are accessible, participatory, and inspiring, we ensure that research serves both knowledge creation and societal progress. Ecsite calls on the EU to recognise and invest in science communication and engagement as integral part of research to increase its excellence and impact, and to acknowledge the expertise held by professional science communicators that can work hand in hand with researchers to engage the public in the research process and in it
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Meeting with Werner Stengg (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager) and Trilateral Research

11 Jan 2023 · Metaverse, AI Act, DSA