New VA study: Confidence in medical research falls due to Macchiarini

The scandal surrounding the surgeon Paolo Macchiarini has led to a fall in confidence in medical research, at least among one third of the Swedish public, who are familiar with the incidents. the incidents. However, public confidence in researchers in general in Sweden has increased, albeit weakened. VA’s latest Barometer on Swedish attitudes towards scientists and research is now available in English. VA’s Director of Research Maria Lindholm has also been invited to sit on the Advisory Board of the German Wissenschaftsbarometer (originally inspired by the VA Barometer)

Responsible Research and Innovation
– what’s next?

The EU RRI Tools project may have come to an end but RRI continues to grow across Europe. In an interview, read about VA’s views on legacy of the project, what’s next for RRI in Europe and how VA will continue to work with RRI in Sweden. One of the Swedish showcases in the RRI Toolkit recently won the first European Foundations Awards for RRI. Also, read a report about an RRI workshop that VA ran at the Engage conference in Bristol.

VA’s latest activities

European Researchers' Night celebrated in 31 Swedish cities 
The 2016 European Researchers’ Night science festival involved over 400 activities, 546 researchers and 15,000 visitors in a record 31 cities across the whole oA number of the activities were based on the theme of ‘the person behind the research’ and members of the public could vote for their favourite Nobel Prize winning discovery and learn about the personal stories of 5 Nobel Laureates.Laureates. Preparations are now underway for the 2017 event.
 
Researchers compete for title of Sweden’s best science communicator
Seven regional finalists competed in the 2016 final of the Researchers’ Grand Prix in StockhoThe competition challenges researchers to present their research to a public audience in an entertaining and informative way in just four minutes.way in just four minutes. The final was broadcast on Swedish television in January.
 
SciComm in the UK: report on VA's study visit to London
VA recently joined Communication Directors from 18 Swedish Universities on a trip to London to learn more about the work of the British Science Association, Wellcome Trust, Science Media Centre and POST, Parliamentary Office of Science and Communication.
 
What’s next for SwafS? Brussels event report
‘Opening Science to Society’ was the theme of an evening debate held in November in Brussels organised by SiS.net, the network of National Contact Points for the SwafS programme and the Swedish national advocacy platform on Swafs. Policy makers and SwafS stakeholders discussed the future of the SwafS programme in light of the next framework programme, FP9 and reflected on achievements to date.

VA’s citizen science project wins open knowledge award
VA’s citizen science project, the Notice Board mass experiment, has won an Open Knowledge award&nbsIn 2016, thousands of pupils across Sweden helped researchers collect data and create new knowledge about the role of the notice board in the digital age. of the notice board in the digital age. The Open Knowledge Awards were awarded for the first time in December by Open Knowledge Sweden. 

Other news

VA’s Secretary General appointed vice-chair of Eusea
Cissi Askwall has been appointed vice-chair of Eusea – the European Science Events Association. VA will be also participating at Eusea’s annual conference in Belgium in May, where VA’s project manager Lena Söderström will present one of our new educational partnerships and our annual citizen science project, organised as part of European Researchers’ Night.
 
VA contributes to new open-access journal
A new open-access journal that focuses on the importance of public engagement to research has been launched by the NCCPE and UCL in the UK. The first issue of Research for All includes a contribution in the form of a book review by VA’s Cissi Askwall, a member of the journal’s External Advisory Board.
 
Strengthening science-society interaction – key theme of Swedish research bill
In November, the Swedish Government presented its research policy bill ‘Collaboration for knowledge – for society’s challenges and strengthened competitiveness’. The bill looks at the direction of research policy with a ten-year perspective. Strengthening collaboration between HEI’s, society and business, and open science are key themes. Read about VA's comment on the Swedish research bill.

Registration now open for Science Communication Forum in Gothenburg
‘Trust’ is the theme of the 5th Science Communication Forum being held on 10 May in Gothenburg. Speakers include Stephan Lewandowsky, Professor of Psychology and author of The Debunking Handbook from the University of Bristol and Sofie Vanthournout, Director of Sense About Science EU. The programme is now available and there will be a number of sessions in English

VA’s recent publications and resources available in English

VA barometer 2016/2017: An annual barometer into the Swedish public’s general attitudes towards science and researchers.

VA information folder 2016/2017: Information about VA and its members.
 
Science communication toolbox: Packed with ideas and inspiration for science communication activities.
 
What is science?: Animated film clip aimed at young people to explain what research actually involves.

SwafS national advocacy platform: to enhance Swedish participation in Horizon 2020’s SwafS programme.

VA in social media