On behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF), the OeAD promotes the research programme "Sparkling Science 2.0", in which research and educational institutions and, where possible, members of the civil society cooperate and jointly contribute to the generation of innovative research results. On 1 September the first call for tenders started. On this occasion, the OeAD organized an information session for applicants to present the cornerstones of the new programme and answer open questions.
“Sparkling Science 2.0” strengthens the link between research and education
Sirikit Amann, Head of the Department for Education and Society, greeted participants on behalf of OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice. She was pleased that the OeAD can accompany Citizen Scientists with “Sparkling Science 2.0” in different stages of their life according to lifelong learning. And in co-operation with the BMBWF thereby promoting scientific literacy and scientific understanding in the general population. This type of research funding is unique in all of Europe.
Barbara Weitgruber, Section Head of the BMBWF, then welcomed participants and emphasized the BMBWF’s important concern to fund innovative co-operations between research and education. Through the participation of citizen scientists, especially students, substantial contributions to research can be made, which would not be possible otherwise. The BMBWF is proud to continue funding this innovative programme, also in these difficult times, and endow the first tender with 9.5 million Euro.
Tips for applicants from researchers and teachers
Invited speakers Ursula Gärtner from the University Graz, Michael Grabner from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) and Gudrun Heinzelreiter-Wallner, a teacher at the HLW Freistadt, shared their insights, knowledge and tips from their respective research projects with participants. Ursula Gärtner told participants: “The effort required is quite immense, however don’t let it intimidate you – it’s worth it!”. Gudrun Heinzelreiter-Wallner underlined the importance of including enthusiastic teachers and also the school’s head office to make sure that there is support for the project from the school. And researcher Michael Grabner said the following when looking back at his four Sparkling Science projects: “The communication with students was one of the most positive things, that I have experienced during the project duration”.
The first call for submissions is now open!
Following this review, Petra Siegele, Head of Sector Public Science at OeAD, presented the most important cornerstones of the new programme: eligibility criteria, aims of the programme, financial framework and the submission procedure using a digital submission platform. As of now, projects can be submitted until 9 November 2021 at 12:00 p.m.. Information regarding the funding decision is expected to be sent to applicants in June 2022. The earliest possible project start is the school year 2022/23.
At the end of the session, participants were invited to ask questions. These questions are being added here regularly: https://www.sparklingscience.at/faqs (in german only). Furthermore, the OeAD organizes three Q&A sessions, where questions regarding project submission will be discussed. Find the dates for these session at the end of this article.
We would like to thank all interested parties and our guests for participating in this information session!
More Information
- You can find more information on "Sparkling Science 2.0" and the call for applications on www.sparklingscience.at
- You can find frequently asked questions about the submission process HERE (in german). If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our staff at OeAD.
- The Powerpoint presentation on "Sparkling Science 2.0" can be found HERE (in german).
- Looking for project partners? Find Sparkling Science research partners with the "Sparkling Science Research Partner Exchange" on four padlets.
- Basics, recommendations and practical tips for Citizen Science projects with schools can be found in the publication of the working group "Citizen Science - Forschen mit Schulen".
Online-Q&A-Sessions (in german)
- Thu, 9 September 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., registration HERE
- Thu, 23 September 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., registration HERE
- Thu, 14 October 2021, 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m., registration HERE
Further questions about the submission
Our team is also available at +43 1 534 08-436 or sparklingscience@oead.at.
Personal consultations by phone, email or in person take place Mon-Thu from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fri from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.