The RAISE project involved creating a visual identity and website, and the design of campaign strategies to reach the target audiences, involve key stakeholders (teachers, students, researchers, artists) and promote the project’s activities. The RAISE team worked with ImpactEd and started the project by building a Theory of Change, identifying the intended outcomes and putting together a framework for their evaluation.
During the first year of RAISE, 21 scientists returned to their primary school to implement CRE workshops with hands-on components, reaching 688 students in 28 schools and 16 municipalities. Scientists received prior online training on science communication. Within the first year, 66 scientists from CF and iMM registered to participate in the CNM activities throughout the school year, including training in science communication and mentoring. In phase I, 6 scientists gave seminars in 3 schools, sharing their career path, inspiration and daily work, reaching more than 300 8th-grade students. In phase II, these students visited CF or iMM for workshop sessions, with multiple hands-on activities. 21 scientists registered for the mentoring stage (phase III), together with several students from the 3 schools. A matchmaking process between scientists and students was implemented via a short questionnaire. Based on common interests and schedule availability, small groups were formed for the mentoring sessions.
The first ERN event, in 2022, took place at the CF in Lisbon, offering a total of 60 activities implemented by 193 contributors: scientists, artists, students, teachers, athletes, journalists, etc, from 52 different institutions. These activities engaged 339 students and teachers from underserved schools and 650 people from the general public, and included workshops, dance, music, lab visits, hands-on science stations, round-tables, stand-up comedy and speed dating aboard a catamaran. Questionnaires and in-person interviews implemented during and after the ERN revealed positive feedback from those attending and allowed a snapshot of participants’ attitudes towards science and inclusivity.
During the second year of RAISE, 43 scientists returned to their primary school to implement CRE workshops, reaching more than 1700 students in 55 schools and 24 municipalities. In the second year of RAISE CNM resumed its activity with 2 schools. 53 scientists signed up. Two scientists from CF and 3 scientists from iMM gave seminars at schools, reaching more than 150 8th-graders (phase I). Students visited CF and iMM for the workshop sessions, where they tried various hands-on activities (phase II). A total of 13 scientists registered for the mentoring phase with 24 students from both schools. Based on common interests and availability, small groups were formed for phase III - mentoring sessions (ongoing).
The second ERN event within RAISE, ERN 2023, took place at the CF on September 29th, 2023 and received more than 1700 participants that had the opportunity to explore more than 50 activities of different topics and formats, including immersive lab visits, scientific games, workshops in science, dance, illustration, radio, television and music, stand-up comedy, concerts, speed dating with scientists and various stations with experimental science activities, among others. Collection of feedback forms during the event allowed evaluating the impact of the experience for about 50% of the participants.
Together, the two editions of the ERN received more than 2500 participants and contributed to foster a culture of diversity in science that promotes STEM education and empowers future generations.
