Ecsite released this position paper in April 2018, as part of the negotiations of the 2021-2027 European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP9). More about the context here.

The position paper states that FP9 should push traditional boundaries and actively involve citizens in the science and innovation process. This, the paper argues, is the role of professional science mediators working in science engagement organisations such as science museums/centres.

What we are asking from FP9

1. European “Youth and Science and Technology” has to become a European flagship
2. A science and society programme is required with a separate strand of funding that includes a focus on combating fake news
3. Science engagement must be recognised as an integral part of the research and innovation system
4. Innovation in science engagement approaches is needed to tackle new societal challenges
5. Funding for engaging citizens with the process and outcomes of science and innovation needs a significant increase

Read the whole position paper and its five chapters (scientific careers, trust between Research and Society, innovation, democratic Europe, future and emerging technologies) here.