Developing a STE(A)M roadmap for Science Education in Horizon Europe
Europe needs more scientists and Europe needs a science literate society. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of Europe’s scientists and medics in keeping our society safe and healthy. The comprehensive recovery package to help the EU rebuild highlights the importance and necessity of major EU policies on the European Green Deal, the Digital transition and Health, all of which call for more highly educated European scientists.
In order to increase the uptake in science careers, to feed the talent pipeline, a plan of action is needed to encourage more interest in STE(A)M for young and old alike, with a focus on also increasing female participation and deconstructing gender stereotypes. The use of artistic approaches to STEM involving creative thinking and applied arts (the “A” in STEAM) could prove particularly useful in this regard. Convince students and citizens of the importance of policies such as the Green Deal and Digitisation and the opportunities that exist within these areas. Science is not just about hard science; it encompasses a world of technology not always obvious to the student and undergraduate. It is important to take into account the needs of industry in education and to develop work ready students and graduates. Introduce the concept of open schooling. Support formal, informal and non-formal science education initiatives, in synergy with the European Education Area.
This action should develop and deliver a STEAM roadmap for Science Education in Horizon Europe, in synergy with Erasmus. The action should develop strategies to increase the uptake of science careers to feed the talent pipeline, demonstrate the breadth of content available for consideration, align the needs of society and industry with education to prepare students to become active citizens and ready for the world of work, develop synergies between second and third level education and promote science education mainstreaming in funded projects.
The action should consider current policy initiatives and identify gaps and overlaps or duplication of effort. Reference and consideration should be given to previously funded projects. Applicants should develop links with Scientix[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/730009]], as well as with projects funded under SwafS-26-2020 (Innovators of the future: bridging the gender gap), and consider links with other policy domains.