Mind the Lab: A powerful tool in the field of science communication

Author: Theodoros Anagnostopolos – SciCo, Greece

Co-author: Elpiniki Pappa – SciCo

Most science communication approaches and mediums are usually attracting people with a pre-existing interest in science, and with high appreciation for the added value of involving scientific knowledge in everyday life. Thus, failing in achieving their principal goal, i.e. bringing science to the general public.

To overcome this challenge we have organized an outreach event in a place where thousands of people with different backgrounds pass by: The Metro! “Mind the Lab” was piloted for the first time in the Athens metro, Greece, on February 3, 2017.

Approximately 10.000 people stopped by (1 out of 10 of the total number of passengers) to be informed and interact with the exhibits for an average time of 2-3 minutes. The 89, 6% was keen on learning more about the presented scientific and technological topics and 96, 3% would be interested in similar outreach events. These data support that “Mind the Lab” can be a powerful tool, since it acts as a science teaser, attract the general public and direct it to science-related channels.

“Mind the Lab” is unique in the way that has been designed as an easy-to-use / do-it-yourself online platform that will facilitate the organization of the event in other cities and countries. This design facilitates the establishment of an international science celebration day where “Mind the Lab” will take place simultaneously in as many cities around the world as possible. We propose that such an initiative in international level will increase public engagement in science, by boosting the impact of traditional science communication activities and increasing their dissemination to the general public. “Mind the Lab” is being planned to take place in five European and two Latin America cities in 2018.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Idea in progress
Theme: Society
Area of interest: Investigating science communication practices