Choosing a future pathway can be challenging, especially when young people have limited insight into the wide range of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Interactive Career Talks were developed to broaden horizons through direct encounters with people working in STEM-related fields.

Across the ICSE Science Factory partner countries, schools, universities and local partners organised dialogue-based career activities that connected learners with researchers, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Rather than focusing on one-way presentations, the format created space for authentic exchange, personal questions and candid conversations about study choices, career journeys, everyday work and future opportunities.

What did the format look like?

Interactive Career Talks were delivered in different ways, tailored to the local context. Formats included school visits, career days, workplace-based encounters, public events and online sessions. In each case, the core idea remained the same: bringing young people into direct contact with inspiring STEM professionals and creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue.

Students were able to ask questions such as:

• What does your daily work look like?
• Why did you choose this path?
• What challenges did you face?
• What do you enjoy most about your job?
• Which study routes can lead to this field?
• How can STEM contribute to society?

A format that can be adapted locally

Interactive Career Talks do not require complex infrastructure. They can be integrated into lessons, project weeks, school events, university outreach activities, or community partnerships. What matters most is thoughtful moderation, suitable speakers, and sufficient space for genuine interaction.

Interested in organising Interactive Career Talks?

We welcome enquiries from schools, teachers, universities, companies and organisations interested in bringing this format to their learners or in developing local partnerships.

Get in touch:
laura.wanckel@ph-freiburg.de

Throughout the ICSE Science Factory project, local partnership conventions were held in Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Portugal and Türkiye. These events brought together schools, universities, companies, public institutions, NGOs, teachers, students and community partners to generate new ideas for STEM education and to strengthen collaboration across sectors.

Rather than one-off meetings, the conventions became spaces for exchange, co-creation and long-term networking. Participants shared expertise, discussed local needs, explored innovative teaching approaches and developed concrete ideas for cooperation linked to sustainability, digitalisation, health and future skills.

Across countries, the conventions supported the growth of local Open Schooling ecosystems and helped translate partnerships into action. Many activities, new collaborations and follow-up initiatives emerged from these encounters.

Interested in starting something similar?

The ICSE Science Factory project has ended, but its ideas and networks endure. If you are planning similar initiatives or would like to learn more about Open Schooling, mentoring approaches, or cross-sector partnership building in STEM education, please contact us: laura.wanckel@ph-freiburg.de

Croatia – Growing a strong regional STEM network

In Croatia, the local partnership conventions evolved into a dynamic platform that connects schools, universities, municipalities, companies, researchers and community organisations.

The first convention in Samobor laid the foundations for collaboration by identifying local needs and matching them with expertise from universities, innovation centres and educational partners. This led to early ideas for cooperation on topics such as technology, environmental challenges and teacher professional development.

Further conventions demonstrated how partnerships can expand across different contexts. On Dugi otok, collaboration was extended to more remote regions through place-based activities involving schools, community institutions and local organisations. In Samobor, a technology forum brought together teachers, scientists, start-ups and industry representatives to discuss student motivation, STEM careers and future skills.

The final convention at the University of Zagreb focused on sustainability and future collaboration. Teachers, researchers and university departments from multiple disciplines explored examples of Open Schooling, new project ideas and emerging topics, including AI in STEM education and machine learning in medicine.

Across all conventions, Croatia built a strong and diverse partnership network that continues to support schools, interdisciplinary learning and collaboration beyond the project’s lifetime.

Key Outcomes

• Strong cooperation between schools, universities and external partners
• New project ideas and continued Open Schooling activities
• Expanded institutional engagement across disciplines and regions

Cyprus – Building bridges between education, science and society

In Cyprus, the local partnership conventions created a vibrant network linking schools, universities, public authorities, enterprises, teachers, students and families.

The first convention in Nicosia focused on opening schools to external partners and on exploring how education can better respond to future skills and evolving labour market needs. Representatives from schools, higher education, government, healthcare and industry came together to discuss new forms of collaboration and stronger links between learning and real life.

The second convention placed strong emphasis on STEM careers and community engagement. Young scientists shared their personal journeys and professional experiences, offering students and parents direct insight into academic and scientific pathways. The event also led to new collaborations with education providers and schools.

The final convention looked ahead to the future. Teachers, pre-service teachers and university staff reflected on project achievements, explored digital tools for science teaching and co-designed new Open Schooling ideas to address real-world challenges. Sustainability was a central theme, with participants discussing how cooperation among schools, universities and external partners can continue beyond the project.

Across all conventions, Cyprus developed a strong, forward-looking partnership culture that continues to support innovation, teacher learning and community-connected STEM education.

Key Outcomes

• Stronger cooperation between schools, universities and external stakeholders
• New partnerships and career inspiration for young people
• Long-term commitment to future Open Schooling activities.

Germany – Connecting schools, research and community innovation

In Germany, the local partnership conventions became a meeting point for schools, universities, public institutions, companies, start-ups and civil society organisations working together to shape future-oriented STEM education.

The first convention in Freiburg brought together a highly diverse regional network and introduced the ICSE Science Factory approach. Participants shared expertise in areas such as sustainability, health, digitalisation, environmental education, entrepreneurship and career guidance, while exploring first ideas for joint activities and school partnerships.

The second convention focused on turning ideas into action. New cooperation partners presented creative learning formats, Open Schooling opportunities and innovative approaches combining science, technology, art and project-based learning. Schools also received practical guidance for implementing activities, participating in fairs and developing their own project ideas.

The final convention highlighted what had grown from the network. Teachers and students presented their own Open Schooling projects, researchers shared current scientific insights, and follow-up initiatives from Erasmus+, Interreg and Horizon Europe demonstrated the lasting legacy of the project. Discussions also explored how collaboration, teacher mobility and community partnerships can continue in the future.

Across all conventions, Germany built a strong regional ecosystem where research, education and practice came together to create meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Key Outcomes

• Strong regional network across education, science and practice
• Student-led projects and innovative Open Schooling formats
• New initiatives and partnerships continuing beyond the project

Portugal – Strengthening teacher networks for sustainable change

In Portugal, the local partnership conventions placed teachers and teacher education at the centre of efforts to build sustainable Open Schooling structures.

The first convention laid the foundations for a national network by bringing together teachers, local authorities, teacher training centres and community organisations. Participants explored the ICSE Science Factory approach, shared experiences and identified opportunities for future collaboration.

The second convention significantly expanded this network and showcased how project ideas had already been put into practice. Teachers presented Open Schooling and Lighthouse Activities developed through the project’s professional development programme, fostering a rich exchange of classroom experience, educational innovation and research-informed approaches.

The final convention focused on the future. Future and experienced teachers worked together to discuss the methodology and long-term value of Open Schooling. Participants identified potential new partner institutions and explored concrete sustainability pathways, including teacher education, communities of practice, and stronger cooperation between schools and local stakeholders.

Across all conventions, Portugal created a strong professional learning community that continues to support teachers, future teachers and innovative science education beyond the project’s lifetime.

Key Outcomes

• Strong national network centred on teacher development
• Successful transfer of project ideas into classroom practice
• Sustainable continuation through teacher education and new partnerships.

Türkiye – Growing partnerships through participation and real-world learning

In Türkiye, the local partnership conventions evolved into an active platform for collaboration among schools, universities, public institutions, NGOs, companies and local communities.

The first convention introduced the Open Schooling concept through an interactive workshop at the STEM PD Conference. Participants explored how schools can work more closely with society, how partnerships can be built, and how real-world challenges can be integrated into learning.

The second convention in Ankara focused on sustainability and practical cooperation. Using the Pet Journey project as a case study, participants discussed how to create, support and sustain successful school-community partnerships over time. Topics included mentoring, innovation, environmental awareness and the role of local authorities and businesses.

The final convention, held after the local fair, brought together teachers, students and stakeholders. Participants reflected on the benefits and challenges of Open Schooling, shared project experiences and developed ideas to strengthen family engagement and deepen stakeholder involvement. The inclusion of students as active contributors marked an important step towards shared ownership and participatory learning.

Across all conventions, Türkiye built a strong multi-stakeholder network that continues to foster collaboration, innovation and community-based STEM learning.

Key Outcomes

• Strong cooperation among education, public institutions and industry
• Practical Open Schooling projects linked to real-life challenges
• Increased participation by students, families and local communities.