Science with and for Society

Science with and for Society (SwafS) in Horizon 2020

There are times when science can seem to lose its connection to society and its needs, and sometimes its objectives are not fully understood, even if they are well intended.

The lack of a common language and rapid progress in many areas of research has increased the public's concern or contributed to ambivalence about the role that science and technology play in everyday life. But science cannot work in isolation, and advances in science and technology are not an objective in their own right.

The Science with and for Society programme is instrumental in addressing the European societal challenges tackled by Horizon 2020, building capacities and developing innovative ways of connecting science to society.

It makes science more attractive (notably to young people), raises the appetite of society for innovation, and opens up further research and innovation activities.

Areas of SwafS

• Ethics
• Science Education
• Open Science (Open Access) 
• Public engagement in responible research and innovation
• Promoting Gender Equality in Research and Innovation

More information

• Eurobarometer Qualitative Study: Qualitative survey about Public Opinion on Future Innovations, Science and Technology.
• Indicators for promoting and monitoring Responsible Research and Innovation 
• Responsible Research and Innovation: European ability to respond to societal challenges 
• Special Eurobarometer Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), Science and Technology
• Report to the European Commission of the Expert Group on Foresight Modelling.

SwafS publications

• SwafS - Achievements and recommendations report 2020
• Research ethics and research integrity
• Institutional changes towards responsible research and innovation
• Citizen science and citizen engagement
• Science careers
• Science education
• Science communication
• Gender equality
• Open Access