LUMAT Research Symposium celebrates its 15th anniversary on May 23rd, 2025. This year, the symposium highlights research-based approaches and initiatives from seven countries, many of which draw on regional and cultural resources. The current theme is Promoting STE(A)M learning through non-formal education. The Symposium is held online and free of charge.
“Collaborative research-based actions have been at the heart of Finnish LUMA (STEM) work. LUMAT Research Symposium, organized by LUMAT Science Research Forum, has been an important forum for sharing the best studies and solutions around the world and learning from one another. Together we are more!“, emphasizes Professor Maija Aksela, chair of LUMAT Symposium and founder of LUMAT Science Research Forum and the symposium.
The following eight invited talks are pointing out different models and practices to promote STE(A)M through different non-formal learning environments:
Som Gurung and his team showcase how traditional Bhutanese crafts, such as musical instrument making and textile weaving, can be enriched through STEM integration. For example, by combining Arduino programming with cultural practices, students gain hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of sounds, rhythms, and codes.
Umesh Ramnarair and his team use virtual reality to bring science education closer to students’ everyday lives in South Africa. Ramnarair’s presentation demonstrates how culturally anchored VR simulations can make inquiry-based learning more engaging and relevant for learners in disadvantaged schools.
Cherdhai Phosri and his team present a case study on building a regional STEM education ecosystem in the Lower Mekong Basin. Phosri’s work highlights how local collaboration and institutional development can strengthen science education across the region.
Safwatun Nida shares findings from a case study on sustainability education for student teachers in Indonesia. Through a course combining lectures, non-formal field trips, and project work, participants designed pedagogical models and teaching resources inspired by real-world environmental sites such as sea turtle conservation and a tea farm.
Eman Zaitoun and her team investigate how STEM project-based learning influences teaching practices. By analysing competition entry projects, Zaitoun explores the feasibility of an integrative approach that can enhance the design of educational projects.
Nalini Dookie and Angela James introduce the ESKOM EXPO for Young Scientists, an exposition platform for non-formal STEM learning. Dookie’s presentation highlights how expos foster inquiry, authentic science experiences, real-world problem-solving, and future-ready skills.
Jorge Rodríguez-Becerra and his team present a case study on integrating high-performance computing into chemistry teacher education. His module on computer-aided drug design for COVID-19 combines problem-based learning with molecular modeling, showing how authentic data and digital tools can foster interdisciplinary thinking and pedagogical innovation.
Maija Aksela and Outi Haatainen explore science clubs as dynamic non-formal STEAM learning environments. Their presentation shares insights from a design-based research project within the international StarT LUMA programme, highlighting co-designed models, activities, and collaborative learning processes.
This symposium is also a farewell symposium for Prof. Aksela, who has organized it as the first director of LUMA Centre Finland with her team for years. She continues her LUMA(T) work as LUMA Science Ambassador in the future (read more here).
Please, see a program and register for the symposium on the LUMAT Research Symposium website.
Abstracts and virtual posters can be found here on Friday, the 23rd of May.
Organizing committee: Professor Maija Aksela; Chair, program & invited speeches, Director of LUMAT Science Research Forum, Dr Johannes Pernaa; Editor-in-Chief of the LUMAT journal, LUMAT-B publication of the symposium, Assistant Maikki Roiha; registration and online symposium, contact person and Specialist Oona Kiviluoto; webpage, marketing & communications.
