The European IRRESISTIBLE-project develops STEM education with a focus on engaging youth with responsible research and innovation.
Current research in the natural sciences progresses in close collaboration with the the public, industry, policy-makers and civil society. The process should include open and transparent discussion and handling of the social, ethical and environmental effects, risks and opportunities of scientific research.
Why is it important that everyone should have access to knowledge about advances in science? How do we decide what kind of nanoparticles are allowed in cosmetics or what side effects are acceptable in novel cancer treatments? How does information generated by the scientific community reach the policy makers and consumers? How and why is our climate changing and how does it affect our daily life?
IRRESISTIBLE is a project project improving young people’s awareness and engagement in responsible research and innovation. Funded by the European Union, the project aims to cross boundaries between traditional STEMteaching in schools and informal learning environments through a combination of formal and nonformal learning.
Teacher training will be an important approach in bringing these themes to schools, science centres and museums.
Ten European countries are involved in the project. Finland is represented by the universities of Helsinki and Jyväskylä. Researchers of the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Jyväskylä will work together with climate experts at the University of Helsinki to develop a teaching module and exhibition on climate change.
Other countries will similarly tackle topics in for example nanosciences and -technology, renewable energy, genomics and oceanography.
Read more about the IRRESISTIBLE project.
Text: Antti Laherto, Anna-Leena Kähkönen & Taina Ruuskanen.