On 4 May 2018, Sparks will hold its final forum in Brussels: we are proud to present the results and lessons learnt of this three-year pan-European collaboration.

The event will bring together projects partners, DIY scientists featured in the Sparks’ exhibition, artists, academics, science communicators, policy makers and more to share knowledge and ideas on participatory practices in science.

This forum will be a fantastic opportunity to reflect and share knowledge on various forms of public engagement in science tested during the lifetime of the project. We will also look towards their future applicability in the broader context of sustainable development goals and research & innovation policies.

Expect inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, interactivity, creativity and networking!
 

PROGRAMME

09:30 / Registration, welcome coffee

10:00 / Welcome words – Catherine Franche, Executive Director at Ecsite

10:05 / Inspirational keynote speech on public engagement in science, questions & answers – Andrea Bandelli, Executive director at Science Gallery International

10:50 / Introduction to the Sparks project and programme of the Forum – Maria Zolotonosa, Sparks project coordinator at Ecsite

11:00 / Panel discussion: Responsible research and innovation towards sustainable development goals, questions & answers
•    Philippe Galiay, Head of Sector on Mainstreaming Responsible Research and Innovation in Horizon 2020 and the European Research Area at the European Commission
•    Cate Hankins, Deputy Director for Science at the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development
•    Moderation: Brandon O’Dell, Director of partnerships at Joep Lange Institute

12:00 / Lunch break

13:00 / Workshop: testing out Sparks recommendations with MEP Michał Boni

14:30 / Science Espressos: Shazia Ali–Webber, “I like Clean Air” campaigner & Pieter van Boheemen: DIY antibiotics hunter

15:00/ Coffee break 

15:30 / Parallel sessions:
•    Conversation on arts and science to foster engagement – Aoife van Linden Tol, artist
•    Learn how to run activities engaging citizens in science with the Sparks Toolkit – Clémentine Daubeuf, KEA European Affairs

16:15 / Science Espressos: Philipp Boeing and Bethan Wolfenden founders of the BentoLab & Tim Omer, diabetes hacker

16:45 / Wrap-up – Catherine Franche, Executive Director at Ecsite

17:00 / Networking & refreshments

The Sparks Forum will be preceded by a pre-event on 3 May afternoon, mainly aimed at Sparks partners but any curious mind welcome! Check up the programme on our website.