FORUM DEMOCRIT

Their core work

Forum Democrit is a Bulgarian private company specializing in science communication and public engagement events, primarily through the European Researchers' Night initiative. They organize hands-on science activities, competitions, and awareness campaigns that bridge the gap between researchers and the general public across Bulgaria. Their work focuses on making research accessible to non-specialist audiences, with a growing emphasis on inclusion, cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary outreach. They have participated in three consecutive editions of the Researchers' Night programme (FRESH, REFRESH, FRESHER) between 2016 and 2021.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (FRESH, 2016-2018), Forum Democrit focused on core Researchers' Night delivery: audience engagement, competitions, hands-on science, and linking research to business and entrepreneurship. From 2018 onward (REFRESH and FRESHER), their scope broadened to include interdisciplinary approaches, cultural heritage, participatory methods, and explicit inclusion goals. This suggests a shift from straightforward science popularization toward more diverse, culturally embedded public engagement.

They are moving toward more inclusive, culturally diverse science communication — a useful partner for projects needing broad public engagement beyond traditional STEM audiences.

How they like to work

Forum Democrit operates exclusively as a participant, never as a coordinator, which positions them as a reliable delivery partner for national-level event components within larger European consortia. With 23 unique partners across only 2 countries, they likely work within a stable Bulgarian cluster of organizations that repeatedly collaborate on Researchers' Night bids. This pattern suggests they are a dependable local executor rather than a consortium architect.

They have worked with 23 distinct consortium partners concentrated in just 2 countries, indicating a tight national network of Bulgarian science communication organizations that regroup for successive Researchers' Night editions.

What sets them apart

Forum Democrit brings a distinctive blend of business/entrepreneurship awareness to science communication events — not just explaining research, but framing it through an innovation and enterprise lens. For consortium builders seeking a Bulgarian partner for MSCA or public engagement actions, they offer three consecutive rounds of proven Researchers' Night delivery. Their growing emphasis on cultural heritage and inclusion makes them relevant for projects that need to reach audiences beyond the usual science-curious demographic.

Highlights from their portfolio

• REFRESH
  Largest single grant (EUR 16,250) and marked the expansion into interdisciplinary, cultural heritage, and participatory engagement themes.
• FRESHER
  Most recent project (2020-2021) that introduced explicit inclusion and science communication framing, signalling their current strategic direction.