Issue_17_2017

Science View is communicating science to society since 2008, sharing a vision of science literacy and science awareness.

In this issue you will read about:

Discover Events, Conferences, Seminars and the most recent Science News!

HERON – Decision Support Tool

Education & Training Monitor 2017

Phaeno Science Center

DESCI 2nd Greek Open Campus

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Cover photos from Pixabay

The latest news and science opportunities

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SCIENCE IN ACTIONSCIENCE IN ACTION

The developed innovative methodology, based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), led to the HERON – DST which: i) allows the calculation of the negative impact of barriers (Impact factor), ii) incorporates these Impact factors in forward looking EE scenarios, iii) calculates the occurring deviation against targets due to these barriers and iv) provides combinations of technologies and practices, allowing the optimization of scenario’s inputs.

Barriers are mapped, merged and grouped into three main categories: i) Social-Cultural-Educational, ii) Economic and iii) Institutional. Afterwards, barriers are compared pair-wised and the importance of one barrier over the other is assessed using a 1-9 scale. After the completion of all comparisons, the Impact factor for each one of the identified barriers is calculated.

The Impact factor is a numerical outcome, expressing the contribution of the concerned barrier in preventing the achievement of EE targets. The total impact of the assumed barriers on a certain input is expressed by the Total Impact Factor which is also calculated. Consequently, EE technologies and practices are linked with the relevant barriers through their Total Impact factors that are provided by HERON – DST. Occurring deviations are calculated. Options for reducing deviations through the optimum combination of EE technologies and practices and the minimization of the impact factors leads to

optimized outcomes. Outcomes are available to be used as inputs to EE modelling.

Working fields: Buildings and transport sectors (Two sets of barriers);

Options to: i) add or modify barriers and technologies; ii) add countries; iii) add sectors.

Incorporation of end-user’s behavioral barriers as inputs for EE modelling;

Calculation and optimization of occurring deviations;

Outcomes provided in Excel file.

Manual: https://heron2017.wordpress.com/manual/

Case studies: https://heron2017.wordpress.com/implementation/

Paper: Mavrakis Dimitrios, Konidari Popi, 2017. A methodology to insert end-users behavior in energy efficiency scenario modelling. Euro-Asian Journal of Sustainable Energy Development Policy, Volume 5, Number 2, pp. 59-83.

At: http://www.promitheasnet.kepa.uoa.gr/images/j o u r n a l _ a r t i c l e s / V o l u m e _ 5 . 2 /July_December_2017_september_ONLINE_MAVRAKIS.pdf

Free disposal of HERON DST: https://heron2017.wordpress.com/heron-dst/

HERON – Decision Support Tool

HERON - DST, developed by the Energy Policy and Development Centre (KEPA) of the National and Ka-podistrian University of Athens in cooperation with App-Art, is a user-friendly software, based on an in-novative methodology, minimizing the negative im-pact of end-users’ behavior in Energy Efficiency (EE) policy-making and leading to the optimum combi-nation of EE technologies and practices.

Methodology and software Main characteristics

Material

The EC released the last version of the Education and Training Monitor. Relying on a broad range of quantitative and qual i tative sources, the Education and Training Monitor includes Eurostat data, OECD studies and surveys, and analysis of education systems undertaken by the Eurydice network. The Monitor is the reliable and up-to-date source of information for peer learning among the

28 EU Member States. The monitor confirms encouraging data on literacy over Europe, but also that students' educational attainment largely depends on their socio-e c o n o m i c b a c k g r o u n d s . Commissioner Navracsics ensured that the Commission will tackle those issues and will address

Member States to increase their financial commitment. Find the report here

Education & Training Monitor 2017

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SCIENCE IN ACTIONSCIENCE IN ACTION

Phæno is an interactive science center in Wolfsburg, Germany designed by Dame Zaha Hadid. The wonderful concrete building and landscape are linking the city’s train station, commercial center and residential district with Volkswagen's Wolfsburg automotive plant and its visitors centre. The unique context where building and landscape are merging into one fluid space was a perfect setup for audience participatory explorations in objects and spaces made from the same modular unit.

3000 heart- shaped red and white cardboard triangles made for the event. The colours chosen to reflect Phæno’s visual identity in the audience self-designed structures. In a region whose economy dominates by advanced industrial production, Phaeno is not merely a radical experiment in construction and materials on itself but providing a curved platform for citizen’s investigation in typology and topology.

About the studio

http://www.collectivepaperaesthetics.com/ is a Rotterdam based studio, founded following a successful presentation of Noa Haim’s graduation work from the Berlage Institute as participatory activity in London Festival of Architecture. In 2010 the studio was awarded by www.dezeen.com and tdwa.com to participate in the Environmental container exhibition in Tokyo.

In collaboration with museums, science centres and brands, the studio design and develop educational tools, hands-on furnishing and participatory pop-up spaces. Among the studio patrons are MUDAM LUXEMBOURG, Tate Modern, Polytechnic Museum Moscow, Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), Holon Design Museum, The Walker Art Center, National Gallery Singapore and more.

Cl ient: Phaeno Science Center http://www.phaeno.de/

Curator: Davy Champion

Manufacture and Engineering: Labro Verpakkingen www.labro.nl

Right hand: Luis Diaz Rivera

Photographer: Tim Dalhoff www.timdalhoff.de

Join us again at phaeno Wolfsburg inside the building's crater on November 25th to celebrate the museum's birthday.

Phaeno Science Center

Phaen o S c ienc e Cen te r i n v i t e s www.collectivepaperaesthetics.com to co-create participatory pop-up structures with visi-tors at Tag der Niedersachsen 2017. Tag der Niedersachsen is a three-day cultural festival in the German state of Lower Saxony. The aim of the festival is to reinforce awareness of the state achievements and bringing together state citizens from different ages and back-ground.

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EVENTSEVENTS BEEN THERE?BEEN THERE?

The 2nd Open Campus for the development and evaluation of skills for creativity and innovation, which was organized by Science View, the Faculty of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology of National and Κapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the 1st Experimental Gymnasium of Athens, was successfully held on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th of December, at the 1st Experimental Gymnasium of Athens, giving recommendations to the fundamental quest for bridging education and workplace in order to transform schools into active hubs, bringing together the world of research and business with the community. More than 20 people participated to the Open Campus, which was realised within the framework of the European Erasmus+ Project “DESCI - Developing and Evaluating Skills for Creativity and Innovation”. The project is contributing to Science View’s series of activities within the ―Open Schools for Open Societies‖ initiative which proposes that schools act as hubs open to society and participate in all societal aspects.

The Open Campus started with introductions from Mr. Menelaos Sotiriou, President of Science View, who presented in brief the DESCI project and its main objectives. Later, assistant Prof. Zacharoula Smyrnaiou, from the Faculty of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology, NKUA, analyzed the framework of the project and theories leading the alternating training systems - in this case the Living Lab‖ approach, which is an approach used to design and realize the alternating training, through the sharing of ideas and collaboration between the stakeholders: students, institutions, research centers and businesses.

Continuing, there was a focus on the Greek implementation from teachers of the 1st Experimental Gymnasium of Athens - Mrs Mpoumpouka, Mrs Lountzi, Mrs Mpaka, Mr Falagaras and Mr Paleogiannidis - that gave the participants a clear idea of the progress in Greece. Adding to this, the skills that are pursued within DESCI activities were presented together with the toolkits that guide the participating stakeholders.

Closing the first day, Mrs Panagiota Argiri (Med, MSc) presented the STEM Alliance European Project that fosters similar principles and shares common values and pursues.

The next day was enriched with various presentations on connecting school community with the job market and the workplace, as well as a presentation of e-Twinning by the national representative for Greece, Mr Panagiotis Aggelopoulos (Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs).

The ―world café‖ followed, where participants were divided into three groups and implemented in parallel sessions the ―Living Lab‖ approach. The first group applied ―SOAR‖ analysis to the DESCI elements, where Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results of the Scenarios were noted by the participants. The same methodology was followed by the second group, which examined the Toolkits of DESCI and by the third group, which examined the Skills promoted within DESCI project. The main purpose of the ―world café‖ was setting new goals and providing continuity to the participation of the school community and stakeholders and promote exchange with them.

DESCI project is funded under the Programme Erasmus+, Key Action K2 (Strategic Partnerships), by the Italian Agency INDIRE. The leader of the project is CNR-IRPPS, its partners are institutions in the fields of Research and Education from Italy, Greece and Spain.

You can find the presentations of the DESCI Open Campus here:

h t t p s : / / d r i v e . g o o g l e . c o m / o p e n ?id=15gADSXgnYw_qM5HzMQE0ivxzykw5naF4

You can find the DESCI Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/desciproject/

DESCI 2nd Greek Open Campus

DESCI - Developing and Evaluating Skills for Creativity and Innovation

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EVENTS EVENTS SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE

The UKCSJ - a full day of discussion and debate with three key aims:

To discuss and debate contemporary issues in science journalism

To encourage and provide skills for newcomers

To promote professional development

The 2018 edition is scheduled to take place in the autumn, in London.

https://www.ukcsj.org/

UK Conference of Science Journalists

(UKCSJ) London, UK Autumn

EUDAT Conference "Putting the EOSC

vision into practice" Porto, Portugal 22-25/1/2018

From 22 to 25 January 2018, Porto (Portugal) will host the EUDAT Conference "Putting the EOSC vision into practice": Sharing & preserving research data across disciplines and borders.

Bringing together data infrastructure users and providers and policy makers from across Europe, the EUDAT Conference will:

Showcase the latest trends in data infrastructure and data management solutions for research;

Demo the solutions developed by EUDAT to address researchers and research communities’ data management needs, through concrete pilots;

Inform about the concrete opportunities offered by the newly established EUDAT Collaborative Data Infrastructure (CDI) to the service providers and research communities;

Discuss the progress of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and the European Data Infrastructure (EDI) and the contribution of EUDAT as well as other infrastructures to these two initiatives.

Community decision-makers and data managers, scientists and research communities, policy-makers, e-Infrastructure projects, research infrastructures and ESFRI projects are welcome to contribute to our conference.

Registration is open.

https://eudat.eu/events/conferences/save-the-date-eudat-conference-putting-the-eosc-vision-into-practice

2017–2018 CITY OF SCIENCE

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/education/city-of-science/

Join the World Science Festival and Con Edison for City of Science, a larger-than-life, touring event where the wondrous properties of science, technology, engineering, and math collide! Filled with interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and enormous exhibitions, this free program unleashes everyone’s inner scientist.

World Science U

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/education/

Immerse yourself in the world of science. Whether you are a high school student, science major in college, or a lifelong learner, World Science U is where you can explore the wonders of science guided by leading researchers and educators. Explore World Science U.

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SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIESSCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

EUSEA is looking for support in the PERFORM

Project EUSEA is offering a 6-months-position in one of its EU projects! Join and send your application! PERFORM The

PERFORM project investigates the effects of innovative science education methods based on performing arts in

fostering young peoples’ motivations and engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

(STEM). In selected secondary schools in France, Spain and the United Kingdom PERFORM takes action to

overcome the remaining distance between young people and science and to break the unidirectional model of

scientific knowledge transfer.

http://www.eusea.info/we-are-looking-for-support-in-the-perform-project/

MSC in Science Communication and Public

Engagement The University of Edinburgh supports a vibrant culture of science communication and public engagement and has

considerable expertise across a range of science communication and public engagement practice; from

dissemination of knowledge to dialogue and policy.

International Masters Scholarships for the MSc in Science Communication and Public Engagement

The Deanery of Biomedical Sciences will offer a number of Masters scholarships to international (non-EU) students

who are currently resident in one of the countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients.

Value: £2,000

Deadline: end of May in year of entry

https://www.ed.ac.uk/biomedical-sciences/postgraduate-studying/msc-science-communication

IIASA Science Communication Summer

Fellowship for International Students in Austria,

2018 Applications are now open for summer 2018 Science Communication Fellowship. The fellowship covers the cost of

travel to and from Vienna and the awardee’s home at the beginning and end of the fellowship, and a modest

stipend to offset living expenses during the period of the fellowship. The aim of the fellowship is to provide financial

help to students from developing countries. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis is a scientific

research institute located in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. Founded in 1972, the International Institute for

Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) conducts policy-oriented research into problems of a global nature that are too

large or too complex to be solved by a single country or academic discipline.

Scholarship Description:

Applications deadline: January 11, 2018

Course Level: This is a summer fellowship programme. The fellowship begins on 28 May and ends on 31 August.

Study Subject: The science communication fellow will gain experience in communicating complex systems

science for a general audience, through a variety of platforms including blogs, website content,

and articles for our magazine, Options. The science communication fellow will work as part of the IIASA

Communications Department, assisting with a variety of tasks including editorial work, website maintenance, media

relations, event coverage, social media, and other communication activities.

Scholarship Award: The stipend is Euro 4,000 for the three months. IIASA does not provide housing or additional

funding for housing. The fellowship covers the cost of travel to and from Vienna and the awardee’s home at the

beginning and end of the fellowship, and a modest stipend to offset living expenses during the period of the

fellowship.

For more info visit: http://scholarship-positions.com/iiasa-science-communication-summer-fellowship-international-

students-austria/2017/11/14/

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SCIENCE IN A NUTSHELL SCIENCE IN A NUTSHELL

SCIENCE NEWS For the 3.4 million people who step off the busy streets of London, UK into the Science Museum each year there is much to feast their eyes on. Established in 1909, today the museum houses around 20 exhibition spaces designed to educate and enthuse the public on topics ranging from space travel to climate change. Sophie Waring joined the museum as its chemistry curator in February 2017. In 2019, the Science Museum will open a new permanent medicines gallery outlining how healthcare has changed through history. http://bit.ly/2paOVBY

Preschool instructors appear to lack the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively teach their young students science -- a problem that is likely contributing to America's poor global performance in this crucially important subject. Only 38 percent of U.S. fourth-graders were proficient in science in 2015, according to a report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Importantly, the study found that only teachers with high knowledge and skills for science -- not literacy or math -- created quality scientific opportunities for students, such as providing science materials and engaging children in science experiences in the classroom. http://bit.ly/2wYAHrB

In an age where people can have careers as trendy as a fitness blogger or as traditional as an accountant, many adults say teens should set their sights on jobs in science, technology, engineering or math, commonly referred to as STEM. More than 30 percent of Americans say they would encourage high school students to pursue jobs in a STEM-related field, according to a September report from the Pew Research Center. "STEM workers actually do command higher wages, overall, compared to non-STEM workers, and the growth rate of STEM-related occupations is higher than non-STEM-related occupations,", but ―one thing college applicants should not do is to go into STEM solely for the job prospects‖. ―To be most successful, it’s to do work that you find rewarding and engaging and that you enjoy.‖ http://bit.ly/2yId2M1

On a cool fall morning, approximately a dozen students prepare for presentations in a Building 24 classroom. The students are arranged into four groups, each with a prototype of a small box. Although the boxes are different in shape, color, size, and overall design, all have been designed with one common goal in mind: to improve on the standard packaging for small radioactive sources. Students are presenting these prototypes for a mini design project competition in 22.033 (Nuclear Systems Design). ―We bring together design thinking and the engineering of big, complex systems,‖ says Zach Hartwig, assistant professor in NSE and the inaugural holder of the John C. This type of thinking is currently applied by some of the most successful companies. In the first month of the class, students practice design ideation, brainstorming, mind-mapping, empathetic user engagement, and prototyping. The middle two weeks of class focus on communications — with students learning the basics of giving an effective presentation, as well as writing for technical and general audiences. http://bit.ly/2zPOqiy

Continued on next page

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SCIENCE WRITESCIENCE WRITE--UPSUPS

Kendra Sewall, an assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Science and an affiliated faculty member of the School of Neuroscience, recently received a National Science Foundation CAREER grant to expand her studies of the ―sweet‖ spot of optimum social interaction — the point at which brain function is improved. The research uses zebra finches, a songbird that shows social relationships and vocal learning that is surprisingly similar to humans. Βecause zebra finches are a model for human language learning, the research shines a light on how lifestyle impacts human cognition. ―With the incidence of brain-related disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and autism, on the rise, understanding the brain’s reaction to environmental factors is incredibly important,‖ said Sewall. http://bit.ly/2kFkXRY

Staying in education is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease, finds a study published by The British Medical Journal. The findings provide the strongest evidence to date that increasing the number of years that people spend in the education system may lower their risk of developing coronary heart disease by a substantial amount, say the authors. Genetic predisposition towards longer time spent in education was also associated with less likelihood of smoking, lower body mass index (BMI), and a more favourable blood fat profile. These findings ―should stimulate policy discussions about increasing educational attainment in the general population to improve population health,‖ they add. http://bit.ly/2CVYgj6

Children need to actually touch, manipulate, and experiment with objects in order to fully understand them. Robots bring this physical interaction to the potentially intimidating process of understanding engineering and programming. Students love robotics because they get immediate feedback and gratification. The experience is multi-sensory and hands-on, and feeds on their imagination. Today’s generation of inquiry based-learners will be well-suited to finding jobs that challenge their problem-solving abilities, and they will advocate for themselves to get what they want out of learning. http://bit.ly/2BQhEyR

It might not surprise that good relationships create good outcomes, as meaningful relational experiences are crucial to all of us in our everyday life. However, the development of a relationship with a child with autism may be disrupted due to the level of symptoms interfering with the typical development of emotional and social abilities. A new study, show a significant symptom reduction, if a relationship was developed in which the therapist was emotionally and musically attuned to the child's expressions. Especially an improvement of communication and language skills was associated with the quality of the therapeutic relationship. http://bit.ly/2zoX6MJ

Laboratories on Earth hardly make the news, unless they come up with life-saving cures. So why would anyone care about a lab in space? The medicine you take on Earth begins with cell research, and the latest experiments on the International Space Station are helping to develop new treatments for osteoporosis, eye diseases and muscle atrophy. Four biological experiments conducted in Europe’s Columbus module on the Station are looking into how microgravity wears down muscle, retinal and stem cells to develop medicine and other countermeasures. http://bit.ly/2DvzvLO

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ABOUT SCIENCE VIEWSABOUT SCIENCE VIEWS

Science View is a science journalists’ association

based in Athens. Science View attempts to

strengthen Science Journalism in Greece. SV also

promotes science communication activities be-

tween the scientific community and the wider pub-

lic by implementing events, video productions and

scientific documentaries, science communication

trainings and e-learning courses, printed and elec-

tronic publications, newsletters, online magazines,

websites, information portals and brochures. Meet

the SV team and check out our projects and our

services.

Science View is a member of the European Union

of Science Journalists’ Associations (EUSJA) and

European Science Events Association (EUSEA)

2 Misaraliotou str,11742 Αthens Gr Phone: +30 210 9231955 Fax: +30 210 9231956 E-mail: info@scienceview.gr

GET IN TOUCH WITH SCIENCE VIEW

ABOUT SIENCE VIEW

―Science Views‖ is a monthly bulletin published by Science View, that focuses on EU and Greek R&D, policy, science and innovation news. The views expressed in Science Views are those of the individual writers, and not necessarily those of Science View. Unsigned articles come from selected press releases from scientists, research institutions and the EU.

Publisher

Menelaos Sotiriou

sotiriou@scienceview.gr

Editor

Koukovinis Alexandros

koukovinis@scienceview.gr

ABOUT Science Views Publisher’s CV

Mr. Menelaos Sotiriou is a science writer and communicator. He was the editor of the official Research and Technology online magazine in Greece, E&T (www.et-online.gr) that was published from the General Secretariat of Research and Technology. He started his professional

career by developing various Management Systems, mostly in the field of Education as well as Health Care and Telecommunications, in over 40 public and private Organisations. He is a certified auditor and has realised over 50 audits, mostly in the field of Quality Management Systems and Assurance. The last twelve (12) years he is running (project management) and organising European and national projects for several institutions (including research institutions) mainly in the areas of new and innovative technologies (ICT). He has been involved in more than 30 EU projects in the areas of SiS, SSH, ICT, Research for the Benefit of SMEs. He has vast experience in networking activities as the project Coordinator of EUROSiS Project that is the Network of the Science in Society NCPs. (Greek NCP for SiS Programme). During this project he has organized a lot of brokerage events as well as info days / trainings concerning the participation of institutions in the specific programme. He is holding the position of President of Science View (www.scienceview.gr) a nonprofit, non governmental organization that has expertise in Science Communication and Science Journalism. He is specialised in science communication, organisation of events (science cafes, conferences, science festivals, exhibitions, science weeks), publications, science writing, outreach activities for young students (mainly in the fields of mathematics, physics, astronomy and health), and creativity in science education (Introduction of creative ways to provide science education like science theatre, music and science). Finally, he is included in the Evaluators’ Data Base of theEuropean Commission for the HORIZON2020 and of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and also he had participated in several EC meetings as an expert in Science Communication and Journalism issues.

Contributors

Georgios Triantafyllou (ScienceView)

Maria Daskalopoulou (Historian of Science)

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