Science for everyone with the "researchers’ night" "How is our universe built? How do robots work? What is your DNA like? Is climate change really happening? Find out this and more through behind-the-scenes guided tours of research labs that are normally closed to the public, interactive science shows, hands-on experiments or workshops". This is the EU’s slogan to advertise Researchers’ Night that will take place on September 28 in 32 European Countries, with 300 activities in an equal number of cities in Europe (http://ec.europa.eu/research/researchersnight). Events will be taking place in small and medium urban centres across 24 EU Member States, in cooperation with public and private research and academic centres. "The aim is to discover science in a fun way and raise interest in research careers. It’s an opportunity to see what researchers do for society in an interactive and fascinating way". The public "will be able to take part in experiments, join interactive science shows, visit usually restricted research laboratories and try out complex equipment and much more", the Commission states. "Looking for some quality time and fun learning on a Friday night out? Whether with family, school, friends or on your own – you will find yourself exploring science in engaging ways. Don’t miss the Researchers’ Night!" is the invitation addressed to European citizens. Women protagonists of social and economic life With the motto "Equal Futures Partnership" the European Union gave the kick off to a series of public-awareness initiatives to promote women’s participation in political and economic life, with specific focus on countries in transition, which include Eastern Europe as well as far eastern and southern neighbours. "Among other activities – states an EU release – we will finance trainings of women to make their voices heard in media; strengthening women’s political participation at the local level; helping women to take an active role in difficult issues like justice and reconciliation". A specific programme is centered on the political and economic empowerment of women in the Southern Mediterranean Region to promote the access and effective participation of marginalised women in economic and public life. The EU made known that the purpose of the initiative is to contribute to promoting women’s equal and full participation in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction. "Ensuring the role of women in civil and public life" is the primary goal of the EU. Specific indicators to monitor progress will be refined and a report on progress will be compiled at least every two years. The EU will equally support initiatives to combat violence against women and girls, "a phenomenon affecting all societies worldwide", that represents the most "widespread human rights violation of our times, claiming millions of victims each year and affecting all societies".Boosting culture and "creative jobs" Unlocking the potential of cultural events, formation and education, performing and visual arts, artistic craftsmanship, tourism, music, cinema, TV productions, architecture and urban development are some of the "creative" and cultural job sectors that the EU Commission will support through policy initiatives, and by mobilising funding for development programmes. It is the content of a new strategy presented September 26 by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth to promote innovation, cultural diversity, employment and economic growth. According to the Executive the cultural and creative sectors employ between 7 and 8.5 million people in EU27, accounting for approximately 4% of GDP. But the "creative and cultural sectors also face major challenges stemming from the digital shift and globalisation", as well as "from a high fragmentation of markets along cultural and linguistic lines". Access to finance -whether public or private funding – for those working in this field (mostly small enterprises) remains a major difficulty. The strategy envisages initiatives for skills development, access to finance, promotion of new business models, access to international markets and improved links to other sectors".
