During ForskarFredag, thousands of children, young people and adults will meet hundreds of researchers around Sweden. Research on the major issues for the future will be discussed, analysed and put to the test by universities, colleges, science centers, museums and via online events. It’s time for ForskarFredag!
To be inquisitive is the essence of science. If you have questions about science, research and how we can address big questions about the future, come to ForskarFredag and ask them. Everyone is welcome and everything is free.
This year, ForskarFredag has the theme “What will life be like in the future”. There are hundreds of activities across the country and online. Here is a selection;
Borrow a researcher!
Nearly 80 researchers are ready to reach out to school classes throughout Sweden, both digitally and in person. Teachers can go in and book a visit via the online portal. Find out what researchers really do all day and learn what you need to do to conduct research in a scientific way.
Vote for the winner of the Researchers’ Grand Prix Digital!
In the Researchers’ Grand Prix (FGP), researchers have four minutes to compete by presenting their research in the most engaging, educational and easy-to-understand way possible. YOU, along with a jury consisting of science reporter Jörn Spolander, actress and comedian Sissela Kyle, as well as researcher and former FGP winner Rezan Güler, will decide who will advance to the national finals in November! More information.
Join and do research in the Housing Experiment! (throughout September and October)
In the Housing Experiment, you can help researchers at Lund University to find out how accessible our homes are. All you need to participate is a measuring tape and a mobile app. More information.
Participate in live dialogue about research for the future (24 September)
Today’s climate change is one of humanity’s greatest challenges. In three live discussions, we highlight different aspects of the challenge, and give all curious people the opportunity to ask questions to participating researchers.
- Home and life with climate change – how do WE change?
Meet researchers from SMHI, Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, and others, to hear their views on matters of anxiety and seriousness, but also about hope. What does the latest research say about the climate and how can we learn from space research to adapt to climate on Earth? And what can we do ourselves? (In Swedish)
- Our common future
Young people, researchers and politicians discuss how research can create a sustainable future in Europe. What do decision makers do to secure our future? And what can you do yourself? The conversation can be followed both online and at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm, where EU parliamentarian Jytte Guteland and researcher Joacim Rocklöv participate along with many others. (In Swedish)
- The Future of European Cities
Researchers from four countries answer questions about the future of Europe’s cities. How can we prepare for rising sea levels? Where and how should we build tomorrow’s homes? This conversation will be in English More information ( In English)
Photograph plants and animals and contribute to the research
On 24–25 September, you can take part in the first ever European BioBlitz! Help record the nature that is thriving in your local area. This continental challenge is taking place in 44 countries across Europe on the European Researcher´s’ Night.
Simply download the free iNaturalist app, snap a photo of nature in your local area, whether that’s a tree, plant, animal or insect, and upload. This is all you need to do to participate in this type of Citizen Science-project is called a BioBlitz. Join the race and help showcase the amazing wildlife of Sweden in this European Researchers’ Night activity, BioBlitz 2021!
“We want everyone to experience and discover what science and research are. And see that researchers are ordinary people, like you and me, with unusually exciting jobs. This is what ForskarFredag is about,” says Julia Brink.
About ForskarFredag
ForskarFredag started in 2006 as part of European Researchers’ Night, and is part-financed by the EU’s research program Horizon 2020. In over 400 cities throughout Europe and neighbouring countries, activities are offered where the general public and researchers meet.
ForskarFredag is mostly in Swedish with a selection of English sessions. You can filter for English speaking events on the website. Read more
