Bridging the gap between scientists and society – 33 Agora projects approved

Of the 64 project proposals submitted, the SNSF will support 33 projects through the Agora scheme for a total of 6.4 million Swiss francs. This represents a success rate of 51 percent. Of the projects funded, 51 percent are in the social sciences and humanities, 34 percent are in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering, and 15 percent are in biology and medicine.

The aim of the Agora scheme is to foster direct dialogue between scientists and society. It encourages researchers to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience. Agora projects are based on interactions and mutual listening.

Parkinson's disease, teen screen time and physics in the kitchen

Among the approved projects is Ines Debove’s project (University Neurology Clinic, Inselspital, Bern). The clinical researcher and neurologist wants to raise awareness among the public and those affected by Parkinson’s disease, including relatives and specialist medical staff, of the impulse control disorders that people with this disease can experience. Examples include gambling and compulsive shopping, hypersexuality and eating disorders. Through a film directed by Bettina Rotzetter (Fernwerk Films), Ines Debove aims to inform a wide public about the little-known symptoms of Parkinson's disease and reduce the shame and stigma associated with them.

Claire Balleys’ project explores youth screen time and how parents manage it. She plans to organise interactive plays in the canton of Geneva in collaboration with Simon Labarrière (Compagnie Le Caméléon). A group of professional actors will perform a short play depicting scenes such as a parent arguing with their child over how much time they spend on their smartphone. The play will then be repeated, allowing the audience to intervene and propose solutions to the conflict. The event will conclude with a discussion on youth screen use, bringing together parents and researchers in the sociology of communication and media.

Last but not least, Thomas Michaels from ETH Zurich will demonstrate how physics and biology intersect in the kitchen, engaging both children and adults in hands-on learning. The principles of soft matter physics and biology come to life through culinary experiments. Alongside Silvie Cuperus (University of Zurich) and Alicia Smith (ETH Zurich), Michaels will host discussions with chefs and culinary experts, exploring scientific concepts in everyday cooking. Additionally, practical workshops will take place in a kitchen laboratory, catering to primary and secondary school students as well as adults.

For more information on funded Agora projects, please consult the SNSF database (see link below).

Agora rolling call

The Agora scheme also finances projects up to a maximum of 50,000 Swiss francs throughout the year. Researchers can submit their proposals at any time of the year and expect the SNSF's decision within four months.