What is a European City of Scientific Culture? The four-year PLACES project will guide science communication institutions in their quest to develop and strengthen science communication policies at the local level.

“Understanding”, “engagement”, “participation” – all recurring words connecting citizen involvement in science and technology. An increasing number of debates, consultation processes and conferences are addressing science in society issues.

But is this leading to more direct citizen participation? Is public input influencing science and technology-related policymaking? Are enough young people choosing careers in science and technology? Concrete data says no. It’s time to give science back to society.