ESOF is unique in that it is both international and multidisciplinary. ESOF takes place every two years, in a major European city (Stockholm, Munich, Barcelona, Torino, Dublin...) and presents breakthroughs in disciplines as varied as mathematics, music, geography, genetics etc. through a range of different formats including lectures, workshops etc.

ESOF therefore presents and discusses the frontiers of scientific and technological research in Europe, contributes to the development of a European Scientific Identity together with bridging the gap between science and society and stimulates policies to support scientific research.

This year in Turin, July 2nd-7th 2010, the ACCENT project will be presented in a panel discussion entitled "Informing and engaging citizens on climate change issues". The panel discussion was organised by Fondazione IDIS-Città della Scienza, Naples - Italy.

Panel discussion

Abstract

Climate change issues are clearly a growing concern for the public today. In recent years, people have received a great deal of information from media on the causes and consequences of climate changes, but – depending on countries and regions – the understanding of citizens and their engagement in these topics is still varied. Communication professionals are making effort to communicate the messages correctly. This panel session proposes to contribute to a global effort to develop news tools and actions on climate change from “informative” to the “active” procedures through the exchange and dissemination of practices that involve citizens in actions and dialogue.

On the informative aspects the session will tackle with the complexity of public communication due to the huge amount of scientific data and the interaction of numerous fields of interest, from the local to the global level. Concerning “active procedures”, new methods – hand-on exhibitions, participative games, local citizens forums and many others– used by the science centres find ways for the public to be effectively engaged in such issues. Changing people’s behaviour – as consumers and as citizens – is notoriously difficult, but many social change campaigns have been wildly successful.

The central issue in this session in to better understand and facilitate the two-ways communication channels between the scientific community and the public. Specific attention will be given to the participation of scientists in the development communication tools and programs for the choice of scientific topics and for a correct and clear information to non expert public.

Moderator: Luigi Amodio, Director of the Fondazione IDIS-Città della Scienza amodio@cittadellascienza.it

Speaker 1: Bruna Valettini, Acquario di Genova

Title: European projects: a link between researchers and large public on climate change issues.

Abstract: international networks of museums, aquariums and science centres, work together at European level to make people aware of climate change issues, linking research and communication.

Speaker 2: Giuseppe Pellegrini, Observa - Science in Society, pellegrini@observanet.it

Title: ACCENT project: Involving Experts and Citizens on Global Warming debate

Abstract: Global warming is an issue becoming more prominent on the public stage. In this session, we present information activities, listening and involvement of citizens Accent project promoted by a group of 15 science centers in Europe.

Speaker 3: Walter Staveloz, Director of International Relations Association of Science-Technology Centers – ASTC wstaveloz@astc.org

Title: IGLO International action on global warming

Abstract: IGLO, a project of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, is designed to raise worldwide public awareness about global warming and ways the polar regions profoundly influence Earth's climate, ecosystems, and human society.