| Abstract |
FUTURES 2024-25: Imagining Tomorrows Together is an ambitious, dynamic festival programme of in-person and digital events that engages citizens with research. A consortium of South West England's five leading universities will work with over 575 researchers and a range of cultural venues, creative practitioners, artists and citizens to deliver a research festival like no other. The 46 events taking place on European Researchers' Nights in 2024 and 2025 and our Researchers in Schools programme will bring science, culture and research to life in exciting ways, and invite participants to explore how research is tackling big issues we face today and imagine future tomorrows together. Researchers will head out into large cities of Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Plymouth, and rural areas of Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, sharing their work in churches, museums, shopping centres, pubs, theatres, nature reserves, the airwaves and online. Our awareness-raising campaign will reach 1.5 million people. FUTURES 2024-25 is underpinned by principles of inspiration, inclusivity, accessibility, fun, learning, and discovery. We will break down barriers between research and society by creating opportunities for citizens to participate, engage, challenge and enjoy. Activities will be developed with cultural venues, artists and creative practitioners to create audience-specific events where participants can engage with and be inspired by research. Our community-led activities and Researchers in Schools programme will support the development of sustained relationships between researchers and citizens such as educators and community groups. Sound management by experienced partners, with a track record of successful multi-partner projects, with a carefully constructed budget, clarity of roles, significant inkind contribution from all partners, and an independent evaluation using a mixed methods approach, will ensure that the project reaches its objectives and is good value for money. |
