The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) is Greece’s national research organization dedicated to the study and protection of the hydrosphere. Through its interdisciplinary basic and applied research activities, it covers a wide range of scientific fields, including oceanography, marine biology and biotechnology, fisheries, inland waters, and aquaculture.
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) plays an active and substantial role in the STEPS project, leading **WP1 – Awareness Campaign 1** and **WP2 – Awareness Campaign 2**. In this context, HCMR contributes to the design, coordination, and implementation of the consortium’s communication strategy, as well as to the promotion and dissemination of the project’s activities and results at local, national, and European levels.
Drawing on its long-standing experience, and particularly the expertise of its **Education Unit**, HCMR contributes to strengthening the connection between marine science and society by promoting public awareness, education, and active citizen engagement.
For HCMR, scientific knowledge reaches its true value when it is returned to society. With extensive experience and a proven track record as a partner in successive European **Researchers’ Night** projects (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, among others), the Centre’s participation in **STEPS** represents the natural continuation of its commitment to science outreach and public engagement.
Through STEPS, HCMR leverages this accumulated expertise to foster marine and environmental awareness, inspire younger generations, and highlight the human side of research (“humanizing researchers”), showcasing the creativity, curiosity, and resilience that drive scientific discovery.
Within the framework of the **Researchers’ Night** and **Researchers at Schools** activities, HCMR has designed and will implement a series of interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and science communication activities focused on contemporary environmental challenges, including climate change, marine biodiversity, marine and freshwater pollution, and sustainable blue growth. Through hands-on and participatory experiences, these activities encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a **growth mindset**, bringing young people closer to marine science and the research process.
At the same time, HCMR promotes **gender equality and inclusiveness in STEAM**, with a particular focus on encouraging girls and young women to explore career opportunities in science and marine research. By showcasing the Centre’s women researchers as role models, HCMR’s activities contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable scientific community.
