As the first European city, Leiden European City of Science 2022 presents a 365-day science festival for everyone with a curious mind. For one year, an interactive programme full of activities, lectures, workshops, excursions, exhibitions and events will be offered, with the aim of connecting science and society. Interested? Watch the trailer of our opening film with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf, which was broadcasted on 22 January 2022, or visit Leiden 2022 | Leiden2022.
ERA Policy Agenda
The initiative for this special year came from the municipality of Leiden, Leiden University, LUMC and the Hogeschool. The title is published by EuroScience in Strasbourg and the project takes place thanks to financial support from the European Commission. Among the scientific highlights of the year are the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in July and the Young Talent Week in September. Leiden2022 has been included by the European Commission as a pilot project in the ERA Policy Agenda: ‘Action 14: Bring Science closer to Citizens’.
EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF)
The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) is the largest multidisciplinary scientific congress in Europe. The 10th edition will take place from 13 to 16 July 2022 in Leiden, in close collaboration with EuroScience from Strasbourg. For reasons of sustainability, ESOF will take place in a hybrid format: we are aiming for 1,500 participants in Leiden and 3,500 online. The theme of this 10th edition is ‘Crossing Borders, Engaged Science, Resilient Societies’, with sessions on A sustainable environment – Cultural Identities and Societal Transformation – Space for science – Healthy societies – Freedom and societal responsibility of science – Back to Business: the way forward with action-based entrepreneurship education and Off the beaten track: new paths for Academic Careers. The event takes place in and around the Pieterskerk (exhibition floor & meeting room), the Stadsgehoorzaal and the buildings of Leiden University. At ESOF we welcome scientists, policy makers and industry representatives who have a sharp nose for new developments in science and society. In addition, scientific organisations such as NWO, KNAW, European Research Council and of course the European Commission will be present. More information about the ESOF conference, the target group and the programme can be found in the attached Brochure. For more information, see: www.esof.eu.
Young Talent Week (EUCYS en EU Talenton)
The 33rd final of the major European science competition for young talents, the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, will take place in Leiden from 12 to 18 September 2022. This is also a flagship event of the European Year of Youth. The competition in Leiden will bring together 150 young people (aged 14-20) who have won national competitions in 40 countries to compete for the title of Best European Scientific Project 2022. The EUCYS will take place in and around the Hooglandse Kerk, where a Play Zone will be set up where companies can present themselves to the young people with playful challenges. Besides EUCYS, the organisation of Leiden2022 has been commissioned by the European Commission to create an entirely new concept for Young Career Researchers and Earlly PHD students aged 20 to 25. This EU TALENTON for the brightest young minds of European Universities will take the form of a 4-day hackathon in Leiden. During the Young Talent Week, we will bring the most promising young talents into contact with science, R&D and innovation, in the beautiful city centre of Leiden, with art and culture as sources of inspiration. The programme is coloured by an Art Science programme in which, among other things Brave New World and the annual Night of Discoveries. Zie voor meer informatie: EUCYS2022 – EUCYS Leiden 2022.
Partnerships
Do you also think that the link between science and society deserves to be strengthened? Then I would like to draw your attention to the possibility of becoming a sponsor. This can be done in many ways, but especially by participating in and being visible at our flagship events: ESOF and EUCYS. For more information, please contact Meta Knol, director Leiden European City of Science 2022 and/or Paul Gruijthuijsen, responsible for partnerships and fundraising. Of course, we are happy to explore wishes and possibilities together with you. We hope to welcome you in Leiden, European City of Science 2022!