The call will stay open from February 2018 to December 2019.
The proposals are evaluated by referees following transparent and precise criteria of evaluation.
The proposals passing successfully the evaluation are entitled to use the appropriate proESOF/ Science in the City brands and will receive, if needed, suggestions, advice and technical/organizational support from the TESI LPC (for example free locations, help for advertising and dissemination, etc.). 
Very limited financial support might be obtained for the mobility of Central Eastern countries’ contributors only. Please complete one form per initiative.

Exhibitions, science themed performances, interactive workshops, science cafès, lectures and participatory events, guided tours and all kind of innovative programmes aiming at connecting science, technology, art and society.
All proposals must be self-financed, but communication, locations, volunteers, basic technical and security services and (if it is the case) booking are provided by the Festival.
 

Science to Science: focused on current and future path-breaking science, it provides for keynote speeches and events, plenary sessions, workshops, rountables and debates. It encompasses social sciences and humanities as well as physical and life sciences, engineering and medicine.
 
Science to Business: a unique platform in Europe to exchange ideas and good practices on research-driven business models, public private partnerships, the economic developments resulting from technological innovation, future careers and future “new jobs” opportunities.
 
Science to Policy: stakeholders, governments, scientists, industry and the public in the Triveneto region and in the South East European countries, will be asked to cooperate in a joint effort to ensure reliable, evidence-based policy-making for the benefit of the society as a whole. Possible discussion subjects include the ethical use of scientific knowledge in addressing the grand challenges of humankind, integrity of science, science diplomacy to build peace and cohesion.
 
Science to Citizens: it aims to create a scientific citizenship for all and to promote the idea of science as fundamental to problem-solving. All activities and events organized in this frame will inspire passion and a collaborative attitude in people, from the very young to the elderly, in order to build a sense of identity and ownership within the field of science.
 
Science to Communicators: aimed at building a solid network of science communicators active in different fields (from journalism to events organizing, from publishing to communication corporate) across Europe, with a special focus on the Triveneto region and the South East European countries.
 

ESOF2020 Trieste programme aims to highlight and give substance to the relationship between science and democracy, scientific knowledge and sustainable development, scientific research and evidence-based policy making. The public engagement programme will offer a broad range of opportunities to enjoy the wonders of science and technology and also the opportunity for all citizens to participate in the discussion of future scenarios for sustainable development. The scientific programme will highlight cutting edge research fields, exploring at the same time the newest developments in the most theoretical challenges and what can instead already be of help to the society, its struggles and problems. 
Moreover ESOF2020 Trieste will work to reinforce and broaden the existing international networks for science, technology, innovation and social and cultural growth, with special regards to the North-East of Italy, Central Eastern European countries and the Balkans.

ESOF2020 Trieste’s Motto is: “Freedom for science and science for freedom”. In the words of Prof. Fantoni, the event champion: “The Motto will guide us transversally in all ESOF events. We want to make the point that science is free from prejudices, and, at the same time, is based upon values such as honesty, doubt, respect for evidence, openness, accountability and tolerance as well as on the thirst for knowledge and different viewpoints. We believe that the sound conduct of science and the sound conduct of democracy both depend on the same shared values. Not to forget the role that science has in inclusion, literacy, peace and politics.”

The initiatives can tackle the main challenges expected to have significant socio-economic impacts over the next 10-20 years and beyond, such as the UNESCO sustainable development goals, but not exclusively:

- Population growth, migrations 
- Environment, water, food and climate connections
- Low carbon economy, renewable energy sources
- Innovation and technology transfer
- Economy, consumption and production
- Health and wealth
- NBIC (nanotech, biotech, ict e cognitive science)
- Big data
- Cross contamination between literature, arts, science…

ESOF2020 Trieste has identified three main cross cutting themes to be possibly considered in the design of all the initiatives:
• Young people, education and training
• Reduction of inequalities, gender balance, diversity and inclusion
• Participation, creativity, innovation and social improvement

Learn more about ESOF2020 on the official website: www.esof.eu

The present call will stay open from February 2018 to December 2019. 
The TESI LPC and sub-committees evaluate the proposals received every three months (tentatively 30th April, 31st July, 30th October). The evaluation results are communicated by the TESI LPC Coordinator to the contact person of the initiative.
The proposals are evaluated against the following criteria:

Category 1 Criteria: Vision and strategy
1a.) Consistency with ESOF2020 Trieste vision and cross-cutting approaches (Weight = 1,5)
1b.) Inclusivity and diversity (territorial, gender and institutional balance) (Weight = 1,25)
1c.) Interactive/participative sessions to maximize discussion + dialogue (Weight = 1)

Category 2 Criteria: quality and impact
2a.) Involvement/triggering of regional, national and European networking (Weight = 1,5)
2b.) Quality, innovative formats and impact to attract audience and media interest (Weight = 1,25)
2c.) Interdisciplinary approach and, where relevant, policy perspectives (Weight = 1)

Every proposal is evaluated by two referees, who assign a 1-4 mark for each of the 6 criteria. The marks received for each criteria are multiplied by the corresponding weight.
Final evaluation is based on the average mark for each of the two categories of criteria. 

Applicants are invited to go carefully through the explanatory texts regarding the ESOF2020 Trieste programme including in this website and the call in order to match the vision and strategy of the initiative.