YouCount Retrospective: A Journey from Hungary to Brussels

The YouCount project has reached its much-anticipated culmination, marking a significant milestone in the realm of youth citizen social science. The final conference, held on the 4th and 5th of December 2023 in the vibrant city of Brussels, brought together a diverse assembly of youth co-researchers, academic professionals, policymakers, and citizen science practitioners.  

To his momentous gathering, the Hungarian YouCount delegation joined as a dedicated group consisting of 3 citizen scientists and 4 researchers. Their objective was to showcase not only the depth of their research process but also the applied methodologies, creative outputs, and research findings. Among the captivating projects of YouCount was a mystery documentary unravelling the intricacies of social innovation within the Hungarian case B. Additionally, an exhibition space was curated to introduce the research processes of the Hungarian case B and A and noteworthy achievements of the Common Signs Research Group in the Hungarian case A.

As the conclusive event of this three-year-long project, the conference served as more than a gathering; it became a catalyst for collective reflection on our shared experiences. Beyond the formal presentations, the event provided an opportunity for the Hungarian delegation to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Brussels, fostering camaraderie and facilitating a deeper understanding of the collaborative journey that characterized YouCount.

The journey to Brussels, far more than a physical transition, evolved into a symbolic exploration of the project's evolution. The excursion not only allowed for the exchange of ideas but also served as a medium for the expression of sentiments and experiences related to YouCount. In retrospect, as we bid farewell to YouCount, we carry with us a tapestry of experiences and a sense of fulfilment, lasting connections and memories from which we wish to illustrate some here: