About the ZSCF 2025

Mind the Gap: Bridging Science, Policy and Publics

Venue: Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, Ul. Augusta Cesarca 4–6, Zagreb
Date: 4 December 2025
Language: English

Organising Committee:

  • Marko Košiček, Public Engagement (RBI) – Conference Programme Director
  • Petra Buljević Zdjelarević, Head of PR and Communications (RBI) – Conference Programme Director and PR & Communications Lead
  • Ana Hant, Events and Marketing Manager (RBI) – Guest Experience Coordinator
    Andrej Kajganić (RBI) – Conference Social Media & Community Engagement Lead
  • Ratko Mileta (RB) – Web Editor

What is it all about?

How can fundamental research better shape public policy and societal choices? How do we build public trust in science and strengthen meaningful engagement beyond the lab?

The Zagreb Science Communication Forum brings together researchers, policymakers, communicators, journalists and the public to exchange proven approaches, sharpen skills, and champion the role of curiosity-driven research in Europe, especially ahead of FP10.

Designed and hosted by the Ruđer Bošković Institute in partnership with the European Commission Representation in Croatia, the Forum is part newsroom, part policy lab, part good practices showroom. It asks a blunt question: how do we turn the work that happens at the bench into understanding, and then into action, before the next framework programme, FP10, locks in Europe’s priorities?

The programme opens with a keynote from Marcin Mońko of the European Research Council Executive Agency, framing basic research as Europe’s innovation engine rather than a luxury line in a tight budget. From there, it ushers us into two intertwined conversations: first, a clear case for safeguarding curiosity-driven research in FP10 as the bedrock of Europe’s competitiveness and capacity for unforeseen breakthroughs. Second, a candid reckoning with the communication gap, what it takes for researchers to step beyond the lab, build modern engagement skills, and move evidence through today’s volatile media and policy currents.

If you report on science, make policy, or build the discoveries that will define the next decade, this is your room. Come for the debate. Leave ready to explain, persuade and engage, so fundamental research doesn’t just shape the future, it earns the public’s trust to get us there.

Designed with researchers and postdocs as well as policy and decision makers in mind and equally relevant to journalists, editors, and agency leaders, the Forum blends strategy with practice: candid debates, a showcase of proven formats, and highlights of science-communication success stories.

Information on Personal Data Processing – Photography and Recording of the Event

 
This event is organised by the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB), Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, in partnership with the Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, House of Europe, Ulica Augusta Cesarca 4–6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.During the conference, the venue and participants may be photographed and/or audio-visually recorded.
 
The photos and recordings may contain your image (likeness) and will be used solely for the following purposes:
  • documenting and archiving the event
  • informing the public about the activities of IRB (e.g. publications on the IRB website, social media, printed and digital publications, reports and promotional materials related to this event).
The legal basis for this processing is the legitimate interest of the organiser in promoting the scientific and professional activities of the Ruđer Bošković Institute, in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the applicable legislation of the Republic of Croatia.
 
If you do not wish your image to be clearly visible in photos or recordings, you have the right to object to such processing. In that case, please:
  • inform the organiser on site (the designated photographer/camera operator or the person at the registration desk), and/or
  • send us a notice by e-mail at: pr@irb.hr.
As a data subject, you have the right to request access to your personal data, their rectification or erasure, restriction of processing, as well as the right to object, in line with the GDPR. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority – the Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency (AZOP).
 
For any questions related to the processing of your personal data, you may contact us at: pr@irb.hr.

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