The future Europe as is envisaged, could never be a reality without inspiring the coming generations to scientific knowledge and education. Therefore, it is an imperative to cultivate and constantly monitor the eagerness of young people to become science aware, follow a scientific career; and when follow a scientific career seeking excellence in their endeavors.
In the last 20 years, Europe has become a technology pioneer through applications such as the Earth Observation and Galileo. Europe has invested in the exploration of space with cost-effective missions and supported collaborative initiatives with the European Space Agency securing its strategic role in this domain. Missions to Mars and similar exciting ventures continue to be an inspiration to many young Europeans. Studies have shown that, when asked if they would like to work in science and engineering, a majority of young people across Europe say ‘no’ – particularly girls and young women. Interestingly, the same young Europeans say ‘yes’ when asked if they are interested in “rockets, satellites and space travel”. Space activities are an excellent way to grab the attention of the scientific thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.
The Youth for Space Challenge - ODYSSEUS II project (www.odysseus-contest.eu) aimed to inspire young people for engaging them in space exploration, through a series of educational activities, which were combining scientific learning with hands-on experiences. Through the organization of a fun oriented educational contest, which was organized in multi rounds and which targeted all pupils and students in Europe and beyond, the project fostered the development of qualified scientists, engineers and technicians in areas relevant to the priorities of the EU space policy.
An important objective of the project was to involve national educational authorities and to engage with space industries and many science centres and space agencies across Europe on the exchange of experiences and knowledge on learning programmes related to space exploration. Furthermore, focusing in the creativity of young minds, the Odysseus II contest fostered the orientation of promising young pupils and students and to connect them with science teachers, experts and space industry professionals in a unique international educational network. In this context, the project created an extensive network of volunteer mentors, educational agencies, academic institutions and space industries, who fostered young pupils’ and students’ interest on space science and assisted with the preparation of projects and the organization of local events introducing space exploration to youth and supporting societal involvement in space technology and science. The structure of the Odysseus II contest also intensified international cooperation in promoting space science and technology among young people. The Odysseus II project promoted the winners and the top students and pupils as an inspiration for their peers and as role models of champions who have succeeded at international level.
