Project Summary

MY SCIENCE European Program for Young Journalists (230328)

FP7-SCIENCE-IN-SOCIETY-2008-1
Duration: January 1, 2009 – June 31, 2010

EC Scientific Officer: Sofia Caira

Project Coordinator: Europäische Akademie Bozen /Accademia Europea Bolzano, Italy

(EURAC research)
Scientific Coordinator: Eva Maria Moar
Project Managers: Farah Fahim and Karina Zabielska
Workshop Responsibles:
EURAC Institute for Renewable Energy – Alexandra Troi
EURAC Institute for Applied Remote Sensing – Christian Steurer
EURAC Institute for Minority Rights – Günther Rautz

Partner: Young Journalists Association POLIS, Poland

Project Manager: Jan Dabkowski

Sub-contractors:
Laboratories with ongoing EU projects for 3 workshops:
Biotalentum kft. – Gödöllö, Hungary - Andras Dinnyes
University of Vienna – Vienna, Austria – Sabri Pllana
Institute of Chemical Technology Prague – Prague, Czech Republic - Anna Mittnerova

Abstract:

MY SCIENCE represents a support action aimed at improving the wider public`s understanding
of EU research, as well as the scientists` engagement towards the public, in order to
minimize the ambiguous feelings expressed by citizens regarding knowledge of and the
potential benefits from science and technology. This is achieved through promoting the mass
media`s engagement towards science and building partnerships between science laboratories
and non-scientific associations of journalism.

The program primarily focused on developing the basic infrastructure of a two-way

communication between scientists and journalists through 6 training programs provided to
85 young journalists by scientists. EU organisations of journalism ensure the involvement of
young journalists, while EU funded research laboratories provide the background for the
training and the scientific and technical know-how in ongoing EU funded projects.

The programs are based on common issues and objectives. They are activated and have
started a dialogue in order to reach the objectives, and as an effect, they will start to listen
to and communicate to each other. In order to ensure long term sustainability, the program
will be developed into a common platform for young journalists being interested in writing
about European research, which will continue to be alive after the closure of the project.

The following specific objectives are expected to be achieved within the duration of the
project: (a) Establish an infrastructure and a methodology to support communication and co-

MY SCIENCE European Program for Young Journalists – Project Abstract – 29 March 2010 
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operation between scientists and journalists. (b) Involve participants who will contribute to
maximizing the impact of the program and ensure maximum benefits for the wider public. (c)
Provide young journalists with appropriate tools to maximize their skills and interest to
publish interesting and relevant material about EU research in non-scientific TV channels and
in general press, in a way that is understandable for the wider public.

90 young journalists from all over the European Union and Associate countries, in the age
group of 20-30 were selected to participate in the workshops. 85 young journalists
effectively participated in the workshops which have taken place as indicated below.

Outcome of workshops: Most participants have and will produce media works on EU funded
projects and their experience with communication in EU funded laboratories. All media works
will be published in original on the My Science website. Selected works will be further
elaborated and published in May 2010 as an issue of ACADEMIA – the EURAC science magazine.

For more information on the project activities, workshops and newsletters

www.my-science.eu

MY SCIENCE European Program for Young Journalists – Project Abstract – 29 March 2010 
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