Periodic Reporting for period 1 - STREAM IT (ST(R)E(A)M IT/STREAMING GIRLS AND WOMEN INTO STEAM EDUCATION, INNOVATION AND RESEARCH)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
Despite growing awareness and efforts across Europe, gender gaps in STEM education and careers persist. These inequalities start early, shaped by stereotypes and reinforced by structural barriers that limit girls’ and women’s opportunities throughout their educational and professional journeys. The STREAM IT project addresses both visible participation gaps and deeper systemic issues.
The overall objectives of STREAM IT are to:
1. Identify and address gender-based institutional and structural barriers in STEM education and research careers, with a particular focus on the critical transition into tertiary education.
2. Develop and pilot innovative, gender- and diversity-inclusive STE(A)M toolkits that can be adopted by educators and institutions across Europe.
3. Support skill development and career exploration among young people through hands-on activities, mentoring programmes, and exposure to inspiring role models.
4. Upskill STEM educators to apply gender-responsive and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
5. Support Higher Education Institutions and other STEM education providers in implementing institutional changes that foster equality and inclusion.
6. Establish sustainable, multi-actor networks at regional, national, and European levels, encouraging ongoing collaboration and mutual learning.
7. Contribute to EU-level policy development by generating evidence-based recommendations and supporting the implementation of the European Manifesto for gender-inclusive STE(A)M education and careers.
8. Raise public awareness about the impact of gender stereotypes and institutional barriers, and promote the benefits of inclusive STEM education for society as a whole.
Expected impacts:
- Synergies between R&I and higher education: synthesising existing knowledge, networking with similar initiatives, and contributing to relevant policy and strategies on the EU-level
- Modernised higher education sector: institutional change towards inclusiveness, stronger links with innovation ecosystems, and increased participation of women in R&I.
- Interconnected knowledge ecosystems: knowledge circulation on gender equality in STEM, wider adoption of inclusive practices, and strengthened policy dialogue at EU and national levels.
The project integrates social sciences and humanities to analyse socio-cultural norms, inform methodology, and evaluate impacts on behaviours, perceptions, and institutional practices. In the long term, STREAM IT aims to establish more inclusive and interconnected education and innovation ecosystems across Europe.
The overall objectives of STREAM IT are to:
1. Identify and address gender-based institutional and structural barriers in STEM education and research careers, with a particular focus on the critical transition into tertiary education.
2. Develop and pilot innovative, gender- and diversity-inclusive STE(A)M toolkits that can be adopted by educators and institutions across Europe.
3. Support skill development and career exploration among young people through hands-on activities, mentoring programmes, and exposure to inspiring role models.
4. Upskill STEM educators to apply gender-responsive and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
5. Support Higher Education Institutions and other STEM education providers in implementing institutional changes that foster equality and inclusion.
6. Establish sustainable, multi-actor networks at regional, national, and European levels, encouraging ongoing collaboration and mutual learning.
7. Contribute to EU-level policy development by generating evidence-based recommendations and supporting the implementation of the European Manifesto for gender-inclusive STE(A)M education and careers.
8. Raise public awareness about the impact of gender stereotypes and institutional barriers, and promote the benefits of inclusive STEM education for society as a whole.
Expected impacts:
- Synergies between R&I and higher education: synthesising existing knowledge, networking with similar initiatives, and contributing to relevant policy and strategies on the EU-level
- Modernised higher education sector: institutional change towards inclusiveness, stronger links with innovation ecosystems, and increased participation of women in R&I.
- Interconnected knowledge ecosystems: knowledge circulation on gender equality in STEM, wider adoption of inclusive practices, and strengthened policy dialogue at EU and national levels.
The project integrates social sciences and humanities to analyse socio-cultural norms, inform methodology, and evaluate impacts on behaviours, perceptions, and institutional practices. In the long term, STREAM IT aims to establish more inclusive and interconnected education and innovation ecosystems across Europe.
1) established the methodological framework (D2.1 Concept Note) and guided partners through research activities.
Mapping initiatives: STREAM IT analysed 111 initiatives and conducted 199 interviews (17 experts on initiatives, 97 female students, 85 educators/experts) across 16 countries. Key barriers identified include stereotypes, family expectations, and non-inclusive environments, while motivating factors include teacher/family support and career opportunities. Expert insights highlighted multi-level barriers—from cultural norms to work–life balance—and emphasised individual support (confidence-building, teacher training) over structural reforms.
2) Draft toolkits were developed for the Talent Nurturing Workshops, Hands-on Activities in Science Centres, and Mentoring Programme. Partners completed adaptation plans, recruitment of mentors has started, and pilot activities are underway.
3) Inclusive teaching and training tools are being developed. National Inspiration Hubs are active in 14 countries, offering webinars. The Virtual Makerspace platform is operational, providing teaching resources, an interactive map, and information on relevant events.
4) Evaluation tools (surveys, interview guides) were created for WP3 activities.
5) The design for a series of six policy webinars (2025–2026) are developed.
Mapping initiatives: STREAM IT analysed 111 initiatives and conducted 199 interviews (17 experts on initiatives, 97 female students, 85 educators/experts) across 16 countries. Key barriers identified include stereotypes, family expectations, and non-inclusive environments, while motivating factors include teacher/family support and career opportunities. Expert insights highlighted multi-level barriers—from cultural norms to work–life balance—and emphasised individual support (confidence-building, teacher training) over structural reforms.
2) Draft toolkits were developed for the Talent Nurturing Workshops, Hands-on Activities in Science Centres, and Mentoring Programme. Partners completed adaptation plans, recruitment of mentors has started, and pilot activities are underway.
3) Inclusive teaching and training tools are being developed. National Inspiration Hubs are active in 14 countries, offering webinars. The Virtual Makerspace platform is operational, providing teaching resources, an interactive map, and information on relevant events.
4) Evaluation tools (surveys, interview guides) were created for WP3 activities.
5) The design for a series of six policy webinars (2025–2026) are developed.
STREAM IT advances gender- and diversity-inclusive STE(A)M education through integrated actions: (1) evidence-based research on barriers and enablers, (2) development of inclusive teaching methodologies and toolkits, (3) collaborative educator networks, and (4) policy recommendations via a European Manifesto, strengthening ecosystems of educators, researchers, and policymakers.
WP2 – Evidence Base: Research covered 111 initiatives, 346 publications, and 199 interviews across 16 countries, highlighting systemic barriers (stereotypes, lack of role models, institutional bias) and motivators (teacher/family support, career opportunities). Results (D2.1–D2.3) support further research and policy-making and have been disseminated at major STEAM events.
WP3 – Educational Toolkits & Activities: Three pilots are under development: Hands-on Activities in Science Centres/Museums, Talent Nurturing Programme, and Mentoring Programme, each with dedicated toolkits.
WP5’s impact assessment framework evaluates outcomes and provides transferable datasets.
WP4 – Collaborative Platforms: 14 National Inspiration Hubs and the Virtual Makerspace (https://virtualmakerspace.streamit-project.eu(opens in new window)) support peer learning, resource sharing, and professional networking, designed for long-term use.
WP5 – Policy Engagement: STREAM IT co-develops policy recommendations and contributes to the European Manifesto. Six policy webinars (2025–2026) engage stakeholders and align with other EU projects.
Sustainability Needs: Ongoing support for research dissemination, toolkit scaling, online community management, and policy integration is essential.
WP2 – Evidence Base: Research covered 111 initiatives, 346 publications, and 199 interviews across 16 countries, highlighting systemic barriers (stereotypes, lack of role models, institutional bias) and motivators (teacher/family support, career opportunities). Results (D2.1–D2.3) support further research and policy-making and have been disseminated at major STEAM events.
WP3 – Educational Toolkits & Activities: Three pilots are under development: Hands-on Activities in Science Centres/Museums, Talent Nurturing Programme, and Mentoring Programme, each with dedicated toolkits.
WP5’s impact assessment framework evaluates outcomes and provides transferable datasets.
WP4 – Collaborative Platforms: 14 National Inspiration Hubs and the Virtual Makerspace (https://virtualmakerspace.streamit-project.eu(opens in new window)) support peer learning, resource sharing, and professional networking, designed for long-term use.
WP5 – Policy Engagement: STREAM IT co-develops policy recommendations and contributes to the European Manifesto. Six policy webinars (2025–2026) engage stakeholders and align with other EU projects.
Sustainability Needs: Ongoing support for research dissemination, toolkit scaling, online community management, and policy integration is essential.