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.