Kreativno edukativni centar

Their core work

KEC is a Serbian NGO specializing in science communication and public engagement, turning complex research topics into accessible, interactive experiences for general audiences. They design and run European Researchers' Night events and similar outreach campaigns that connect scientists with the public through hands-on activities, games, and increasingly digital formats. Their work bridges the gap between the research community and citizens, making science relatable by highlighting the human side of researchers and using creative educational methods.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

KEC began with straightforward science popularization — humanizing researchers through friendship and personal stories (Friend2U, COOLandHOT) with keywords like "faces of science," "cool," and "futuristic." From 2020 onward, their focus shifted sharply toward digital tools and broader societal themes: augmented reality, artificial intelligence, the European Green Deal, and entrepreneurial skills entered their vocabulary. This evolution from analog public engagement to tech-enhanced, sustainability-oriented science education reflects a deliberate modernization of their methods and messaging.

KEC is moving toward immersive technology (VR/AR) and sustainability themes in science communication, making them a strong fit for future projects combining digital education with Green Deal outreach.

How they like to work

KEC started as a participant in consortia led by others (3 projects) and graduated to a coordinator role in their last two projects, suggesting growing confidence and organizational capacity. With only 7 unique partners across 1 country, they operate in a tight, locally focused network — likely anchored to a recurring consortium of Serbian institutions involved in Researchers' Night events. This makes them a reliable, experienced local organizer rather than a wide-reaching European hub.

KEC works with a small, concentrated network of 7 partners within a single country (Serbia), suggesting a tight-knit group of local institutions that collaborate repeatedly on national-level science outreach events.

What sets them apart

KEC occupies a distinctive niche as a creative education NGO in Serbia that has successfully transitioned from traditional science popularization to digitally enhanced, immersive public engagement. Their track record of growing from participant to coordinator demonstrates reliability and institutional learning. For consortium builders, they offer an experienced Western Balkans partner for MSCA or Widening projects that need creative, youth-oriented science communication with increasingly digital delivery methods.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Reconnect Restart 3
  Their most recent and highest-funded project (EUR 41,500), coordinated by KEC, integrating VR, AR, and European Green Deal themes into science outreach.
• Reconnect Upgrade 20
  First project where KEC served as coordinator, marking their transition to a leadership role and introducing AI and augmented reality into their educational methods.
• COOLandHOT
  Creative framing of science outreach ('Coolest of Labs, Hottest of Theories') that established KEC's signature approach of making research attractive and accessible.