Nayra Rodriguez-Eugenio
Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), Tenerife, Spain

Abstract
Over the last 15 years, concern has been increasing about the gradual decline in the percentage of young people opting for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies and the mismatch between demand and supply for qualified STEM professionals in Europe. Thus, the challenge that many educational systems are facing is how to encourage students, especially girls, to acquire STEM skills and how to increase the number of young science enthusiasts who want to develop their future careers in the fields of technology and research.

What can research centers do to meet this challenge? At the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) we have identified three key aspects that can be addressed from our institution, in collaboration with other educational stakeholders: motivating students through their participation in real scientific experiences, engaging teachers as key actors and offering them training and support, and changing the social stereotypes of researchers and technicians. I will present some of our education and outreach initiatives along these lines, and some of the results we have obtained so far.

2018 December 17, 15:00

IA/U.Lisboa
Observatório Astronómico de Lisboa (Seminar room)
Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-018 Lisboa