Mind the Gap: Bridging Science, Policy and Publics
Zagreb Science Communication Forum 2025
4 December 2025 · Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, Ul. Augusta Cesarca 4–6, Zagreb.

Hosted by Ruđer Bošković Institute & EC Representation in Croatia.

A one-day forum where researchers, policymakers, communicators and journalists turn evidence into understanding — and understanding into action. Expect a keynote from the European Research Council Executive Agency, high-signal conversations, and a showcase of formats you can reuse next week.

Why Attend ZSCF?

Learn

Get practical, not performative. A keynote by Marcin Mońko (Head of Media & Content, ERCEA) frames basic research as Europe’s innovation engine, followed by sessions on why curiosity-driven research powers competitiveness — and how to communicate it clearly before FP10.

Connect

Meet ERC/MSCA voices, institute leaders, EU programme reps and science journalists — including speakers from EU-LIFE, EUROfusion, EMBO (rep TBC), and Croatia’s EC Representation — in an intimate, purposeful setting that makes collaboration easy.

Recharge

Built-in refreshment breaks and a friendly hallway track help you compare notes, trade ideas and line up next steps between sessions and the showcase.

How to Make the Most of the Forum

• Arrive early for badge pick-up & coffee
  Doors open with Welcome Coffee & Registration (09:30–10:00) — get your badge and start meeting people.
• Catch the opening & keynote
  Opening Session & Welcome Statement (10:00–10:15), then Keynote Speech (10:15–10:45) by Marcin Mońko (ERCEA).
• Dive into the big questions
  Session 1 — “Knowing everything about nothing: the importance of basic research for the EU” spotlights why fundamental science must be safeguarded in FP10.
• Take what works (with credit!)
  Showcasing successful science-communication initiatives (12:00–13:00): Pattern, ReSkills, Science is Wonderful!, Researchers’ Night, and City of Science 2026 — plus RBI training takeaways you can adapt.
• Burst the bubble
  Session 2 — “Let’s pop the balloon – does anyone outside academia understand the potential of EU basic research?” focuses on stepping beyond the lab and moving evidence through media and policy.

Who Attends

• Researchers & PIs
• ERC/MSCA fellows and applicants
• Research managers
• EU programme representatives
• Science-communication professionals
• Journalists & editors
• Ministry/agency officials
• Students and early-career researchers (Profile reflects our speakers and hosts mix.)

Event Location

Representation of the European Commission in Croatia
Ul. Augusta Cesarca 4–6, 10000 Zagreb.

Centrally located — a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square and easy by tram.

Date: 4 December 2025. Hosts: Ruđer Bošković Institute & EC Representation in Croatia.

FAQ (Essentials)

When and where is the forum? 4 December 2025, Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, Ul. Augusta Cesarca 4–6, Zagreb.

What’s on the programme? Opening & keynote (ERCEA), two focused sessions, a practical showcase of EU formats, and time for structured networking. See agenda for titles and timings.

Will there be breaks? Yes — coffee/refreshment breaks are built in for meeting peers and comparing notes.

Are site visits planned? Potential (TBC) afternoon visits for ERC/EMBO/EU-LIFE guests — details to follow.

(Registration details, capacity and media/volunteer info will be announced via email updates.)