Public engagement

At reNEW, we are not only committed to advancing the frontiers of stem cell research but also dedicated to fostering a strong and meaningful connection with the general public. We believe that public engagement is essential in promoting understanding, transparency, and enthusiasm for the groundbreaking work we do in the field of stem cell research.

Stem cell research holds immense promise for the future of medicine, offering potential solutions to a wide range of diseases and conditions. However, this exciting scientific journey is often accompanied by complex scientific concepts and ethical considerations. Engaging the public in our research is therefore essential. Read more about our engagement activities below.

Culture Night is one of Copenhagen's most well-attended and annual cultural events where, among others, the University of Copenhagen invites the public inside to explore a world of science.

reNEW usually participates with a minilab and a VR installation where people can discover the power of stem cells and learn more about our research. This is one of the activities where our scientists can contribute to the program as well as to get the opportunity to have a dialogue with the general public.

Running since 2009, UniStem Day has over the years turned into the largest educational outreach initiative on stem cells and regenerative medicine in Europe, with some non-European countries also taking part in this promotion effort. Medical research institutes, among others, highlight their stem cell research to students and spark their interest, contributing to the aim of this annual event to integrate, coordinate, and promote access of information to high school students.

reNEW’s UniStem Day’s are designed to provide students an opportunity to learn, discover and discuss the power and potential of stem cell research, to transform medicine. High school students from Denmark are invited to visit reNEW at Copenhagen University to learn more about stem cell research.

Every year the second Wednesday in October marks Stem Cell Awareness Day. To celebrate this day, reNEW initiated the global initiative of holding a competition to raise awareness about the potential of stem cell medicine to transform the lives of people with currently incurable diseases: the ARTxSCIENCE competition. 

By showing the beauty of stem cell science, we might provoke thought – but more important, inspire dialogue, underscoring the importance of the interaction between science and society. On Stem Cell Awareness Day, we announce the winner of the reNEW ARTxSCIENCE competition.

reNEW wants to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public. Our annual ARTxSCIENCE competition explores the beauty of scientific images and is one of the opportunities for our scientists to communicate their science to the general public.

By submitting one of their stem cell images along with a strong, layman description of the science behind it, researchers share the potential of their research and make science more accessible to the general public.

With this initiative, our scientists can increase public awareness of stem cell research and its enormous potential while also learning how to present their research in layman’s terms.

All submissions receive visibility when posted on our social media channels, where the public can vote for their favourite entry. 12 finalists will be selected who will all be featured in the reNEW calendar that is being shared with both the public and external stakeholders. Ultimately, an international jury will select one winner who will be awarded for their contribution to the research and their efforts to spread awareness about the importance of stem cell research.

Curious about the submissions? View our ARTxSCIENCE gallery.