A European Conversation on Science Engagement

From 19 to 21 May 2026, Luxembourg welcomed the European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA) Conference, bringing together science communicators, researchers, educators and public engagement professionals from across Europe.

Hosted by the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), the event transformed Belval into a hub for dialogue, collaboration and fresh perspectives on the relationship between science and society.

Marking the 25th anniversary of EUSEA, this edition, which was held under the theme In Other Words and Other Worlds, also invited participants to step beyond familiar viewpoints and challenge the assumptions that shape science engagement practices.

Looking Beyond Assumptions

At the heart of EUSEA 2026 was a simple yet powerful idea: what if some of the assumptions guiding science engagement are limiting our ability to connect with people?

Throughout the conference, participants were encouraged to question established approaches and reflect on how language, culture, social context and personal experience influence the way research is communicated and understood. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across Europe, EUSEA created a space for meaningful conversations about inclusion, accessibility and the future of public engagement.

Three Days of Exchange and Discovery

From keynote sessions and interactive workshops to informal discussions between peers, the conference programme was designed to foster learning and collaboration across disciplines and borders. Science communicators, researchers, educators and engagement practitioners shared experiences, explored challenges and discussed innovative ways of strengthening the relationship between science and society.

Beyond the conference rooms, EUSEA 2026 also offered countless opportunities for networking and spontaneous exchange. Some discussions focused on practical engagement tools, while others explored broader questions about trust in science, participation and the role of public dialogue in research.

Highlights of the 25th anniversary of EUSEA in Luxembourg