We want science for all!

If it’s the last Friday in September, it’s European Researchers’ Night. Launched by the European Commission on 23 September 2005 to bring research closer to people, it has become a celebration of science where labs open their doors and scientists meet and engage in dialogue with citizens. But what do Europeans think about science and its inclusiveness?*

Across Europe, the mood about science is upbeat

More than eight in ten people think science benefits society. Curiosity is high as well, as most Europeans would like to learn more about scientific developments. But there’s a problem nevertheless: just over half of EU citizens feel science is far too complicated. The fix isn’t flashy; it’s human: cut the jargon, tie ideas to daily choices like health, and invite participation, not just passive consumption. When people can ask questions, try things, and see how evidence connects to real life, science feels close, useful, and shared.

Europeans want science to be fair and to benefit all

Alongside the excitement about science, there’s a clear demand for fairness and inclusion. Europeans want science to work for everyone, not a privileged few, not only the loudest voices, and not just the places with the most funding, but every community, age group, and background that stands to gain from discovery. Most support opening the process to non-scientists and keeping equity on the agenda, including gender balance in the research workforce, because it improves both outcomes and fairness. However, the intensity of support has weakened in recent years: overall backing for gender equality remains high, but fewer people now strongly agree that it drives better results or a fairer society. Therefore, it is even more important to advocate for inclusion and equality as standard practice at all levels!