LUMA Stars is a novel programme that places young people at the heart of natural sciences and sustainability by showcasing research-based solutions for global challenges. It provides opportunities for youth to become familiar with scientific practices and to become active contributors to a better future through hands-on experiences in scientific work, collaboration, and creativity. By connecting students with research communities and dynamic learning environments, LUMA Stars opens doors to natural sciences in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and forward-looking.
Three Core Elements
Science Internships (Tiede-TET) Upper secondary students visit real research environments, gaining authentic experience and insight into scientific work. During the 2025–2026 pilot year, four students received scholarships and visited research groups monthly to explore topics aligned with their interests. These internships go beyond observation – they offer opportunities to ask questions, contribute ideas, and witness science in action.
LUMA Stars Club Once a month, young people take centre stage in a national online club streamed on YouTube. They share stories from their research visits to Kumpula Science Campus at the University of Helsinki and companies, creating inspiring content and engaging with peers across Finland. The club is youth-led: participants decide what to present and how to spark curiosity. Example themes of online clubs in autumn 2025
- Green Supermaterials: Capturing and Using Carbon Dioxide (Professor Timo Repo’s research group)
- Hydrogen Powered by the Sun: Catalysts Revolutionising Clean Energy (Professor Pedro Camargo’s research group)
- Polymers in Medicine: 3D Printing for Implants and Drug Delivery (Professor Yinyin Bao’s research group)
- Biomaterials for 3D Printing Human Tissues and Implants (Professor Robert Luxenhofer’s research group)
These topics reflect the cutting-edge research areas students explore and communicate to their peers. Collected feedback shows these sessions are not only exciting for students but also bring fresh perspectives to teachers.
LUMA Stars Camp 2026 Next summer, the programme culminates in a science camp focused on sustainability and innovative solutions. It will be a space for collaboration, creativity, and action, where ideas turn into projects and friendships flourish.
The challenges of sustainability demand new ways of thinking and acting. LUMA Stars responds by giving young people a voice and a platform to explore solutions. It bridges formal education and real-world science, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. For many participants, this is their first step towards a career in science – or simply a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference.
LUMAlab Gadolin, part of the LUMA Centre Finland, organises the programme. It is embedded in its research and development programme, which seeks research-based, collaborative solutions to engage and inclusive learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The programme is led by Professor Maija Aksela, Director of LUMAlab Gadolin, and coordinated by Maikki Roiha, Doctoral Researcher at LUMAlab Gadolin. It is a collaborative program with various partners, e.g., UH Science Education Outreach (as part of LUMA Centre Finland), the Faculty of Science, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Helsinki, Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Natural Sciences, and the LUKEMA network.
Learn more: LUMAlab Gadolin homepage