Science in society

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. Image: Anne Marie Lykkegaard/ESOF2014

science in society | horizon 2020

26 June 2014

Europe needs to be at the forefront of ‘Science 2.0’ – Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn

An explosion in research data combined with an increasing number of people who can use it is transforming science, and Europe should be at the forefront of the change, said Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science.

Concrete display screens could be integrated into the walls of buildings. ©Dupont Lightstone

interview | science in society

24 June 2014

Concrete screens, the next big thing in outdoor advertising? - Bo Jacobsen

Digital screens made from concrete could mean displays are integrated into the sides of buildings, and make advertising billboards resistant to vandalism, according to Bo Jacobsen, the chief executive of Dupont Lightstone, the driving force behind the EU-funded DIGISTONE project. The project is displaying its first prototype at the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in Copenhagen from 21 to 26 June.

The EU-funded EuroFIT project is aiming to harness people's enjoyment of watching football and use it to help them follow a healthier lifestyle. © Shutterstock/ rj lerich

science in society | health

12 June 2014

Football fans turning passion into action

Many football fans watch matches on the sofa or in the pub, and their fitness levels often contrast hugely with those of the players on the field. New efforts are underway to convert their fandom into motivation to get active and improve their health, or even to channel their support in socially beneficial ways.

Sumo-wrestling robots developed by Estonian students. Image courtesy of Robotex Estonia 2013

ict | science in society

28 May 2014

Sumo-wrestling robots in Estonia’s digital classroom

Estonia, or E-stonia as it is becoming known, is leading the way in digital education in Europe.

The EU-funded iTEC project is integrating technology into the classroom. Image courtesy of iTEC

ict | science in society

26 May 2014

Transforming education with digital technology

Researchers are using smartphones and tablet computers to transform classrooms across Europe.

The EU-funded SiS Catalyst project is getting children to participate in shaping the way they learn. ©Shutterstock/ Olesya Feketa

science in society

21 May 2014

Children’s universities to help shape the way we teach

On some streets in Europe, eight out of 10 children go to university, while in others it’s fewer than eight in 100. That’s according to an EU project which aims to reverse this trend by encouraging institutions to set up children’s universities and get young people to help change the way science is taught.

Research shows that the two languages of bilingual children interact. © Shutterstock/ Monkey Business Images

science in society

19 May 2014

Why some bilingual children may do better than others at school

Some bilingual children could find it harder to keep up than others, researchers believe, because one language can affect the other.

Anne-Marie Imafidon, the founder of Stemettes, believes that promoting female role models and celebrating their achievements is one way to change attitudes.

interview | science in society | women in science

12 May 2014

Attitudes must change to get more girls to study science – Anne-Marie Imafidon

If more girls are to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at university, then attitudes among parents and society at large must change – that’s according to Anne-Marie Imafidon, a speaker at the EU’s Innovation Convention in March 2014. She passed an A level in computing aged 11, and at 20, she obtained a master’s degree. She is the founder of Stemettes, an organisation which encourages girls to get into STEM subjects by connecting them with women working in the field.

The CHESS system allows people to look inside an Ariane space rocket.

ict | science in society | horizon 2020

07 March 2014

Bringing museums to life

Manoeuvring a satellite into its housing inside an Ariane space launcher is almost as difficult as rearranging the order of the planets that orbit around the sun.

The first pan-European network for security services will help police forces, fire services and border agencies share new ideas and technology. © Shutterstock/Anton Balazh

horizon 2020 | science in society

20 February 2014

Sharing know-how to make us safer

The first pan-European online network to help security organisations innovate could enable police forces to hunt down social media stalkers more effectively, and also allow customs officials to verify passports faster.