Science Building Bridges

ANALYSIS Science building bridges

This year, Copenhagen transformed itself into a true city of science, welcoming delegates from across the globe to attend the highly-anticipated Euroscience Open Forum 2014. International Innovation presents highlights from the event

EUROPE’S LARGEST AND most prestigious general science meeting, Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) was founded in Stockholm in 2004 and is hosted by a different European city biennially. Dedicated to scientiﬁ c research, education and innovation, the event has built a legacy of promoting dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy, and seeks to raise awareness of science among the general public. The Forum is unique in its diversity, attracting researchers from around the world and across scientiﬁ c disciplines, and showcases cutting-edge developments from leading researchers.

On topic Following an open competition, ESOF 2014 took place in the Carlsberg city district of Copenhagen. With a deep- ESOF2014 was based around eight scientifi c rooted scientifi c tradition and strong commitment to scientifi c and themes, interwoven throughout the programme technological innovation, Denmark was an excellent host for the meeting. Fittingly, the country is The Healthy Society home to a number of important universities and leading A Revolution of the Mind knowledge-driven companies that together play a Global Resource Management pivotal role in translating knowledge from science Learning in the 21st Century to society.

Green Economy

Material and Virtual World

Urbanization, Design and Liveability

Science, Democracy and Citizenship

24 INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION ANALYSIS Strength to strength

Since its foundation in 2004, ESOF has built a commendable reputation as a uniquely international and multidisciplinary event

2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 Stockholm, Munich, Barcelona, Torino, Dublin, Copenhagen, Manchester, Sweden Germany Spain Italy Ireland Denmark UK

With the bridge symbol representing closing distances and enhancing dialogue, the meeting provided a unique opportunity to debate the direction research is taking within the complete scientifi c spectrum. Attracting 4,500 delegates from all over the world, the 2014 event has made discernible headway in increasing the visibility GROWING ROOTS of European science in the media, political and public sphere, within The pan-European initiative was Europe and beyond. created by EuroScience – a non-profi t grassroots association open to research SCIENCE AND THE CITY professionals, teachers, students, science administrators, policy makers and citizens The six-day conference was accompanied by an ambitious public interested in science and technology and its links outreach programme called ‘Science and the City’. This important with society. The organisation represents European and visible part of the event took the form of a free festival and scientists of all ages, disciplines and nationalities, as shared ESOF 2014’s overall objective of increasing public interest in well as individuals from the business sector and public science. Attracting children and adults alike, Science and the City institutions such as universities and research institutes. encouraged dialogue between guests and offered opportunities for interactive learning. Organised by the Danish Ministry for Science, Innovation and Higher Education, ESOF 2014 was supported by seven prominent Manchester has been announced as ESOF’s next host. The event will Danish foundations that have provided substantial fi nancial take place in July 2016 and, until then, members of the ESOF 2014 support. The meeting was supervised by appointed champion of secretariat will actively promote the meeting, enabling it to gather the event Klaus Bock, and stimulated and provoked public interest, momentum and ensuring its continued success for 2016 and further excitement and debate about science and technology. Attracting years to come. leading decision makers, it afforded the opportunity for scientists, the general public and government representatives to network, fostering communication and generating extensive media coverage. http://esof2014.org

CROSSING THAT BRIDGE This year’s event took place on 21-26 June 2014. Named ‘Science Building Bridges’ ESOF 2014 set out to strengthen the bridges between science and society that are synonymous with EuroScience by providing an open platform for debating science and showcasing European and global research at all levels.