– We need to cultivate greater basic curiosity among young people, as this is precisely what drives research.
M
orten Østergaard has just won agreement on a new educational policy, which he has presented to journalists and newscasters on Copenhagen’s Slotsholmen islet. It is a satisfied minister that NordForsk meets to talk about the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) research conference to be held in Copenhagen on 21-26 June 2014. The minister is clearly looking forward to this large-scale, open meeting place, which is expected to attract as many as 50 000 participants – including researchers, decision-makers and not least a curious public. The purpose of the ESOF is to generate interest in research and hopefully inspire
an enthusiasm for research among the coming generations. I am pleased that we are dedicating significant resources to this project, because in a way it will spark off a chain reaction: We need to attract new research talent constantly, and we need to cultivate greater basic curiosity among young people, as this is precisely what drives research. We can’t simply rest on the past strengths of our research findings. If we do that, and if our most eminent researchers do that, we will be sawing off the branch we are sitting on. This is the fundamental purpose of gathering together so many skilled researchers, so they can talk with each other, with decision-makers and with the general public during the
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ESOF conference. I believe that sends a strong message. Democratic tradition The ESOF is modelled after the annual meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). It is envisioned as a serious, stimulating meeting place for researchers, politicians, the media and the public. But the ESOF will go even further in its effort to involve the wider general public. – The strong Nordic tradition of public participation has been a source of inspiration in the planning of the Copenhagen ESOF conference. Just look at the Nordic countries’ science festivals: Norway has