In 1995, when we were designing what would be the first edition of the Science Week in Catalonia, we wanted to study what was being done at the time throughout Europe, with special focus on the French and British models. It was obvious that we couldn't just reproduce what was being done in other countries here in Catalonia; we had to adapt the model according to our own particularities. The objective was clear: we wanted to bring science to the people. We felt we needed to do so following criteria based on territoriality (our event could not take place in the city of Barcelona alone), sustainability (an event with staying-power), and we needed to also showcase those organisations that were the real players (organisations from all over Catalonia which to a greater or lesser degree foster scientific awareness). Above all, Science Week had to serve as an umbrella of sorts for the many initiatives from every corner of the region; initiatives that offer activities year-round. It had to also help to promote their activities with a view to public opinion and bring them to a wider audience using the various media channels. While the immense diversity of organisations participating in Science Week (universities, museum, scientific societies, city councils, libraries, businesses, natural parks, groups, schools, government, etc.) generates some difficulty, they represent Science Week's main strength. Over the years, we've seen how these agents for scientific awareness have evolved. 13 years ago, we had to educate the public about the types of activities we meant when we were referring to scientific awareness. Today, however, we are fortunate to have witnessed an explosion in initiatives around us, and have observed an ever-growing interest in promoting activities among research centres and groups; so much so that many have in-house specialists to carry out these tasks.

As organisers, we had to focus on the initial task of promotion between agents within the world of science and society. With this came the associated functions of marketing, communication and press, as well as the occasionally difficult task of obtaining financing in order to carry on with the initiative. Our work resulted in the preparation of a programme of coordinated activities, and its publication in the form of a booklet (except in SW 2008) which was also made available online on the website www.setmanaciencia.cat; a press conference and press releases; the production and distribution of posters, street banners, spots in press, radio and television and monographic articles in newspapers, among others. The media impact of Science Week has helped to consolidate the event in the cultural agenda of the region. Throughout the first 10 editions of Science Week, we included all scientific disciplines. Afterwards, we decided to focus on a different subject each year (this year, for example, is the International Year of Planet Earth) in order to ensure a clear and direct message. This has surely facilitated communication, but it has also worked against a number of potential activities that are not related with the main theme.