Welcome to the ICSE Science Factory, an EU-funded initiative dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for all. Our mission is to ignite interest in science through innovative approaches that connect it to everyday life.
Collaborating with experts from Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, and Turkey—including universities, researchers, companies, and community educators—we are committed to three key goals:
We operate at three levels: community, regional, and European. Locally, schools serve as hubs for projects; regionally, we share experiences through conventions and fairs; at the European level, we create Communities of Practice and culminate with the ICSE Science Conference, uniting our network.
Success is measured by improvements in scientific literacy, attitudes towards science careers, and sustainability awareness. We gather insights through surveys and case studies across five countries to adapt and enhance our activities.
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In running Lighthouse Activities and supported Open Schooling activities we provide collaborative science learning opportunities for all citizens at a local level.
We support schools in opening up and networking with external partners. In the Open Schooling projects, school classes work together with other members of their community on an equal footing: Families, science education providers, citizens, businesses and interested citizens. Together they tackle socially relevant topics like sustainability, health and digitalization to eventually find concrete solutions to real-life problems at school, in their city or region.
If you are a teacher, a student or any other community member, who is interested in starting an Open Schooling project, contact us now. We can guide you on this journey and provide ideas and practical tools. If you are located in one of the participating countries, you can also contact your local project team directly.
Join us in this effort to enhance learning and make a positive impact!
We collaborate with partner schools and experts from science, companies and non-formal education providers. Together our Science Factory team creates regional networks and designs various innovative and creative hands-on activities.
Schools run activities with the support of mentors from local partnerships, including enterprises or community members versed in science. These mentors use their expertise to guide teachers, students, and external participants through their Open Schooling projects.
The aim of these projects is for students and citizens to work together scientifically in order to develop regionally feasible solution approaches. The acquired knowledge is then delivered back to the community via short video clips, pictures, posters, flyers, newspaper articles, etc.
In our prior Open Schooling project MOST, we collected a lot of experience and knowledge that we want to share with you. On our MOST project website you can find practical information like a manual to plan and perform School-Community-Projects, pedgagogical guidelines and more. Moreover, you can find information about our European Open Schooling network. You can also join our network and become part of the wider Open Schooling Together initiative that connects Open Schooling projects throughout Europe.
Watch this video to learn how to implement School-Community-Projects (Turkish language with English subtitles):
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Join us as we explore and address real-world issues through our engaging lighthouse activities (i.e., workshops). Designed for all age groups, these activities dive into global challenges, from seeing how climate change affects our local forests to understanding the latest in health and tech innovations.
Our lighthouse activities aim to make learning lifelong and fun for all. They’re not just events, but powerful moments that boost knowledge and togetherness. We’re working to make science a part of our daily lives, in our communities, and across Europe. Come and join us in this exciting journey!
With the help of our community partners, experts in hands-on learning, these activities make science fun and approachable. Their unique style encourages everyone, even those who might think science isn’t for them, to give it a try. It’s a fresh twist that adds to the more structured ways we usually learn from schools or businesses, reaching out to new groups of people.
Everyone, from families to senior citizens! And there’s more – we also inspire schools to take up similar projects. Imagine a school community coming together to learn about smart shopping, and later sharing tips with neighbors. Or getting creative with old clothes, turning them into art pieces or even school gear. There’s so much to discover!
Join our community and become a part of our network! We offer a range of events tailored to engage and inspire different groups:
Together with our Open Schooling Activities and Workshops, these events are designed to highlight the impact and excitement of scientific exploration, engaging and inspiring everyone involved.
Join us on this exciting journey where every insight, idea, and shared experience contributes to collective growth and innovation. Together, we can create a brighter future through science!
Curious about a career in science? Join our interactive career talks! Designed to spark interest in scientific studies and professions, these sessions cater especially to young individuals at pivotal career-choice moments. We place special emphasis on celebrating and promoting women both as attendees and as role models.
Here’s What to Expect:
Why These Talks Matter:
The power of representation can’t be overstated. By showcasing a wide range of careers and role models, we aim to shatter stereotypes, especially around gender biases in science. Collaborating with local partners from various work fields ensures our talks resonate with diverse interests.
Overcoming Challenges:
Attracting a diverse youth audience is key. But even as we break down barriers at our events, young attendees might still face stereotypical views elsewhere, like at home or among friends. We’re aware of this and have a robust mentoring system to guide them.
Join Us!
The ICSE Science Factory is set to host 10 engaging career talks in each participating country – that’s 50 insightful sessions! And, keeping in mind current circumstances, we’re prepared to take the experience online.
Embark on this enlightening journey with us and explore the vast, vibrant world of science careers. Discover, discuss, and be inspired!
Purpose:
Join us in our triennial conventions organized across our five partner countries, where local partners converge to explore, exchange, and evolve. A platform where science technology research gets a new dimension!
Who’s on Board?
Collaborative Dialogues:
The conventions are designed as a fluid platform, encouraging spontaneous exchange across partnerships. While the agenda remains flexible, allowing partners to bring their pressing concerns to the forefront, potential discussion topics include:
Join the Conversation: Be a part of these conventions and contribute to the ever-evolving dialogue on science, research, and community collaboration.
Let’s shape the future together!
Our Local Public Fairs are scheduled to take place in the 2nd and 3rd year of the ICSE Science Factory project, following the launch of our primary initiatives.
Main Attractions:
Engagement Opportunities:
Year One Special: Our first fair will primarily serve as an introduction to our project and its overarching goals, offering attendees a sneak peek into sample activities and setting the stage for future interactions.
Come and be a part of this enriching experience, where science meets society, fostering dialogue and mutual growth.
For our local partnerships within the CoP framework to truly thrive, we commit to maintaining a welcoming, transparent, and constructive work atmosphere. Regular checks and evaluations of our modus operandi ensure that we continually meet the needs of every member.
Taking CoP Beyond Borders: In our endeavor to embed CoP practices across Europe, we have curated two distinct event types catering to varied target groups, all designed to facilitate enhanced networking and knowledge dissemination.
The ICSE Science Factory project, funded by the European Union, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the shortfall of scientists and citizens versed in science within the European Union. The project leverages a unique combination of measures, each addressing the issue from a different perspective, thereby maximizing its impact.
The project is characterized by the formation of high-capacity cross-sectoral partnerships in five different partner countries: Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Cyprus, Turkey. These partnerships consist of science researchers, science education researchers, and non-formal education providers, supported by schools, enterprises, and community institutions.
The project’s overall aim is to foster improved science education for all citizens by creating new networks in local communities between teachers, students, scientists, researchers, innovators, and professionals in enterprises. These Communities of Practice (CoPs) engage learners in real-life problem-solving situations within education, the workplace, and other learning environments, contributing to a lifelong learning continuum and raising interest in science studies and careers, particularly among women.
The project’s innovative approach aims to increase the number of scientists and the level of scientific knowledge within communities. This is achieved by strengthening the partnerships through local conventions, where research findings are shared and applied, and local public fairs to integrate communities into the scientific learning process.
The ICSE Science Factory project focuses on three key objectives:
The ICSE Science Factory project is a unique initiative that combines a unified European vision with a deep understanding of local community needs. It draws upon the collective expertise of a diverse consortium, creating activities that are both globally informed and locally relevant. The project’s focus areas include sustainability, digitalisation, and health – all critical, socially relevant issues. By addressing these real-world challenges, the project demonstrates the practical importance of science, making it accessible and engaging for all citizens.
Through different project formats, like workshops, open schooling projects, interactive career talks, conventions, fairs and mentoring, the ICSE Science Factory project aims to enhance scientific literacy and stimulate interest in science studies and careers. It’s not just about teaching science, but about showing how science can be used to understand and solve the problems we face in our daily lives.
The open schooling activities, for example, are a key part of the project’s educational concept, with schools being encouraged to run these activities with the support of mentors from local partnerships, including enterprises or community members versed in science. These mentors use their expertise to guide teachers, students, and external participants through their open schooling projects.
The project’s expected results are significant and are expected to contribute substantially to tackling the identified problems and needs in several ways:
The ICSE Science Factory project is expected to make a significant contribution to science education and the promotion of science as a valuable tool for societal problem-solving. The project’s expected impacts are substantial, contributing to the EU’s efforts to combat a shortfall of scientists and citizens versed in science, and fostering a lifelong learning continuum for all citizens. The project’s focus on community involvement and real-life problem-solving also ensures that scientific knowledge is not just created and circulated, but also used for the benefit of society. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the previous pandemic, which has underscored the importance of scientific literacy and the role of science in addressing societal challenges.
ICSE Science Factory initiates activities on a threefold geographical structure:
Community: In all 5 countries of the consortium (Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Turkey), regional open schooling projects are initiated within communities (schools as hubs).
Regional level: At the regional/national level in our partner countries, all Open Schooling communities from one region are interlaced. This is achieved through regional conventions and fairs, where experiences and examples of successful “Open Schooling” are shared. ICSE Science Factory fairs in each region maximise impact and strengthen regional efficacy.
European level: ICSE Science Factory ‘creates the bigger picture’ by establishing Communities of Practice at the European level. A final ICSE Science Conference connects all projects activities across Europe to a vibrant science-learning network that opens up for further countries and communities.
ICSE Science Factory Croatian National website:
https://sciencefactory.math.hr/
The Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
The Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is one of the leading scientific institutions in Croatia. It consists of 7 departments and also comprises a botanical garden, a seismographic service, and a mareographic station. It employs around 500 scientists and lectures, and leads or participates in about 150 scientific and professional projects. Scientific research is carried out within mathematics and natural sciences, interdisciplinary areas of science and educational research, accounting for about 20% of the total scientific production of the University of Zagreb. Faculty organizes many workshops and conferences with an aim to improve the collaboration between international and local scientists, as well as to increase the popularization of science.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER), University of Zagreb
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) is the largest technical faculty and a leading educational and research institution in the fields of electrical engineering, computing, and information and communication technology in the Republic of Croatia. The current research and teaching staff consist of 198 professors and 338 teaching and research assistants, as well as about 3500 undergraduate and graduate students and 390 postgraduate students. FER is involved in around 200 projects funded by the EU or at a national level. In the last 5 years, FER has participated in many projects financed by different funding programs: HORIZON 2020 (49 projects), HORIZON EUROPE (11 projects), BILATERAL (50 projects), COST ACTIONS (35 projects), ERASMUS+ (23 projects), INTERREG, European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Croatian Science Foundation (180 projects) and other.
Croatian Mathematical Society
The Croatian Mathematical Society is a professional association of mathematicians in the Republic of Croatia whose goal is the improvement and promotion of mathematical science, the teaching of mathematics at all levels, the application of mathematics in other disciplines, as well as the improvement of the social position of mathematicians as a whole. Through 5 sections, youth and associations that are collective members, the Croatian Mathematical Society gathers scientists, primary and secondary school teachers, teachers of higher education institutions, employees of various companies, students and pupils. Through its activities, the Croatian Mathematical Society works to ensure that Croatia is included in the latest trends in mathematical sciences.
ICSE Science Factory Cyprus National website:
https://pure.unic.ac.cy/en/projects/icse-science-factory
The University of Nicosia
The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is an independent, co-educational, equal-opportunity institution of higher education, which offers a wide range of programmes to students from around the world. UNIC participates in the project through the InSSTER (Innovative Science Society Technology and Education Research) Center of the Department of Education. InSSTER has extensive research experience on issues related to integrated STEM education and interdisciplinarity, sustainability, environmental socio-scientific issues, teacher training, and the development of teacher training materials with an emphasis on primary, pre-primary, and secondary school teachers. UNIC oversees the evaluation work package in the context of ICSE Factory.
The Cyprus Pedagogical Institute
The Cyprus Pedagogical Institute was founded in 1972 aiming at becoming a center where the teaching profession undertakes a reflective stance as regards teaching and learning and follows cooperative and inquiry-based models of professional learning. It is a Directorate of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, and reports directly to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. The vision of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute is the continuous professional learning of the teachers at all levels as well as the substantial contribution to the planning and implementation of educational policy, taking into consideration research results and the priorities set by the Ministry, in order to improve the quality of the educational system. The Pedagogical Institute participates in European Research Programs such as ICSE Factory. Through its participation, the CPI promotes reflective interaction and exchange of experience and expertise between teachers on open-schooling and problem-solving approaches in STEM education.
ICSE Science Factory German national website:
ICSE, University of Education Freiburg
The University of Education Freiburg is the hub for teacher education and educational science in southwestern Germany. It is represented by the highly qualified team of the International Centre for STEM Education (ICSE) and holds a key role in managing the ICSE Science Factory. The innovative and successful approach to reform day-to-day schooling through cutting-edge research has shone a spotlight on ICSE and therefore the ICSE Science Factory, creating a national and international network of the industry- and business partners in the endeavor. The cooperation of these influential partners with Higher Education Institutions and schools enables the ICSE Science Factory to fulfill its full potential in integrating communal problem-solving approaches in school curricula.
Schülerforschungszentrum Südwürttemberg (SFZ) e.V.
With an excellent STEM offer, we want to inspire young people and show them perspectives for the future. The Schülerforschungszentrum (SFZ) Südwürttemberg e.V. continues where school inevitably has to stop. Children and young people whose interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology (STEM subjects) goes beyond regular school material can research, develop, and invent at the “SFZ” in their free time – just as others learn a musical instrument or practice any kind of sport. They present their research results at approximately 40 national and international competitions and trade fairs. Around 740 students from all types of schools conduct research at nine “SFZ” locations, supervised by approximately 60 teachers, 50 volunteers, and a few students. The mission of the non-profit association is to be a research center for all students out of the region of South Württemberg, where young STEM talents are encouraged and inspired at a high level. In addition, the “SFZ” is a recognized institution where teachers develop high-quality teaching and learning materials for the STEM sector.
Chair of Forest Growth and Dendroecology, University of Freiburg
The Chair of Forest Growth and Dendroecology is a research institution at the University of Freiburg, Germany. In our daily work, we investigate growth processes and basic principles for sustainable production of renewable resources in various tree-dominated land use systems. We develop methods for the quantitative assessment, analysis, and prediction of tree growth from cell to stand scale. Further research focus areas are dendroclimatology and dendrochronology. Besides we are training students in forest sciences and environmental sciences at university.
Within the ICSE Science Factory, we provide different types of workshops related to forests and we would like to support teachers to implement their own project ideas concerning forests or nature.
ICSE Science Factory Portuguese national website:
The Instituto de Educação (IE)
The Instituto de Educação (IE) is the institution of the Universidade de Lisboa committed to research, training, and public intervention in Education and Training. Over the past years, it has been distinguished as a leading institution in the domain of Education in Portugal. IE provides training activities in undergraduate (bachelor) and graduate (specialization, master’s, and doctorate) programmes in different fields of Education and Training. IE provides advisory and training services to educational organizations and scientific and technical support for the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries. UIDEF is the research unit of the IE-ULisboa. UIDEF has a strong team of researchers, including members from other higher education institutions, and maintains close partnerships with several national and international partners, attracting a significant number of international students for doctoral studies and post-doctoral programs. UIDEF research is carried out within the framework of the two programmes: Education XXI and Change Forces in Education. The disciplinary-based organization of UIDEF combines the two programmes in order to better face the complexity of current educational phenomena, which require multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary approaches, as well as to strengthen the focus and quality of its research, and to provide more accurate contributions to foster knowledge-based change and innovation in education.
The High Institute of Engineering of Lisbon (ISEL) is one of the oldest Portuguese engineering schools, established in 1852. ISEL provides academic and professional training comprising sound scientific and innovative content with a professional focus to meet both the needs of the labor market and the expectations of employability of graduates. With over 4,000 students, the institute offers 22 undergraduate and master’s engineering programs, postgraduate courses, and an array of lifelong learning programs for professionals in the field. ISEL holds a pivotal position in Portugal’s scientific and technological research domain, engaging in numerous national and international research projects, financed through competitive grants and industry support.
Lisbon municipality is a European capital, the main Portuguese city and center of international experimentation, with the responsibility, capacity, and ambition to reinforce its global leadership in climate policy, side by side with the 100 cities that have joined the “Mission of the EU for smart, climate-neutral cities by 2030″, jointly committed to the objective of carbon neutrality by 2030. Lisbon is committed, together with its citizens, employees, residents, students, tourists, and visitors, to implementing a new Climate City Contract, more ambitious, in terms of Action, Investment, Commitment, and Involvement. For this purpose, Lisbon becomes co-responsible for implementing additional actions and measures to reinforce mitigation, adaptation, and transversal interventions that respond to the current and future challenges of the city and the world, highlighting the importance given to the dimensions of learning, training, information, and communication as key actions in this process, which require the involvement of existing non-formal learning reference structures, in addition to the school network (public and private), aimed at different target audiences.
ICSE Science Factory Turkish national website:
HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY
Hacettepe University is one of the largest universities in Turkey. The Faculty of Education bundles highly qualified staff, international cooperation, openness, extensive STEM experience, and a broad network of different (STEM) stakeholders, all whilst being one of the founding members of ICSE. With the implementation of the new Turkish Science Curriculum, the university was able to establish a system where the different achievement levels and the social and emotional skills of students are considered whilst teaching. In the context of the ICSE Science Factory, Hacettepe University oversees the communication, dissemination, and exploitation of all activities, due to a high level of expertise and success in this area.
Teachers First Foundation (ÖÖV)
Teachers First Foundation (ÖÖV) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to prioritizing and elevating the well-being of educators. ÖÖV’s core mission revolves around providing targeted teacher training and fostering a robust network for teachers and educational leaders, both within Turkey and internationally. In line with its commitment to well-rounded professional development, ÖÖV focuses on three key areas within the Euro-framework: digital transformation, inclusivity, and sustainability. They empower teachers to effectively integrate digital tools, advocate for inclusive education, and cultivate a self-sustaining educational model that transcends generations. ÖÖV’s impact extends across various age groups, from early childhood educators to school administrators, education professionals, and ultimately, students of all ages. Their visionary approach emphasizes the transformation of teachers not only as educators but as individuals, shaping the future of education through empowerment, collaboration, and well-being. Join ÖÖV in its mission to promote teacher well-being, foster meaningful connections, and drive innovation in education both locally and globally.
The evaluation concept of the ICSE Factory project is designed to see to what extent the project has reached its objectives: to foster improved science education for all citizens by creating new partnerships in local communities, such as between teachers, students, scientists, researchers, innovators, and professionals in enterprises.
The project evaluation has a twofold purpose: on one hand it is intended to measure the project’s short-term impact in terms of the promotion of science literacy, perceived relevance and positive attitudes towards science and scientific careers, as well as increased sustainability awareness and individual capacity to act on environmental issues. On the other hand, it should provide a collection of multiple case studies from five European countries, illustrating how open schooling activities may be articulated to adapt to different regional contexts, as well as barriers and supportive aspects for their successful and productive implementation.
Due to the scope and ambition of the evaluation concept, a mix methods approach is used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. To this end, specific questionnaires were developed for the main target groups (students, teachers, scientists, parents, people from the industry) and a template for regional case studies focusing on the key concept behind the ICSE Factory project: the development of open schooling activities as means to connect school and communities and to provide more authentic, relevant and meaningful STEM education.
Program: Horizon Europe
Topic: HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-ERA-01-70 – Open schooling for science education and a learning continuum for all
Type of Action: Horizon CSA (Coordination and support actions)
Duration: 38 months (January 2023 – February 2026)
Project Number: 101093387
This section offers a wealth of resources tailored for teachers, citizens, policy makers, researchers, and anyone interested in our project’s various components.
Feel free to explore these resources to see what we offer and what we have accomplished.
If you are looking for more Open Schooling materials, like a practical manual with a step-by-step guide, visit the resource site of our previous Open Schooling project MOST:
The creation of these resources has been funded with the support of the Horizon Europe programme of the European Union under grant no. 101093387. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license is granted for all our materials. Please feel free to use and adapt them for non-commercial purposes. Make sure to give attribution to the original materials as well as for the adapted ones. Find explicit terms of use for CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en
