Sparks is an ambitious engagement project on the topic of technology shifts in health and medicine. Its aim is to raise awareness and communicate the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to Europeans in 29 countries. Sparks will organize an interactive touring exhibition and 230 innovative participatory activities such as science cafés, pop-up science shops, incubation activities and scenario workshops. Creative disruptions —in the form of artistic inputs and questioning— will help it to engage more stakeholders.
Sparks’ methodology emphasizes interdisciplinary (science, art, policy, industry, research, science education) and participatory approaches to promote RRI in relation to health. This is a highly relevant research topic which is able to motivate citizens’ and other stakeholders’ engagement in science and research.
The project will also have a learning and policy component. Data will be gathered from visitors of the exhibition in order to further build the capacity of science actors and policy makers to promote RRI and better understand society’s vision, interests and readiness concerning RRI in health.