Brief description
Numerous studies of the past years consistently point out: The interest of children and young persons in technology and natural science is low. Although during the last two years the number of students who began to study technological or scientific subjects has increased, this does not compensate the losses. The encouragement of interest in technology and natural science remains a socially relevant topic.
The Regional Foundation Baden-Württemberg gets involved with a strengthening of the dialogue between science and society in various ways, particularly in relation to the encouragement of interest in technology and natural sciences of children and young persons. For the same purpose it started in 2002 the ideas competition PUSH, which was also managed and analysed by DIALOGIK.
On the basis of the experiences gained from PUSH the Regional Foundation has brought the programme SCOUT Science Outlined into being. The call for tenders is aimed at innovative and sustainable projects designed to impart knowledge of natural science and technology to children and young persons. The Regional Foundation will particularly fund those projects that will survive the time of sponsorship and have enduring effects.
Non-profit corporations and public corporations located in Baden-Württemberg are entitled to participate. A jury of independent experts will examine and evaluate the submitted project applications. For carrying out the programme up to 1,5 Mio Euros are available. It is planned to support up to 10 projects.
DIALOGIK contribution
The Regional Foundation consigned DIALOGIK to coordinate SCOUT Science Outlined. DIALOGIK takes over the following tasks for the Regional Foundation:
- to coordinate and oversee the call for tenders as well as the evaluators' meeting
- to oversee and control the funded projects
- to carry out the accompanying public relations work
- to evaluate the projects
- to compile a catalogue of criteria for future funding activities of the Regional Foundation.