In March 2013, a thousand citizens from all over Europe have been involved in a large scale, formal participation initiative to contribute to the priorities of the new framework program for European Research “Horizon 2020”. This consultation led by Ecsite took place in 28 science centers and museums in all European countries; the results are being now integrated in the policy making process of the European Commission. At this session we will explain the rationale, the methodology and the results of this breakthrough initiative, as well as discuss the role of science centers and museums in this context.