17 Jun STREAM IT Project – International Science Communication Competition Held in Budapest
On 16 June in Budapest, Hungary, the International Science Communication Competition and a partner meeting of the ST(R)E(A)M IT – Streaming Girls and Women into STEAM Education, Innovation and Research project were held. The project is funded under the Horizon Europe WIDERA programme. The events were organised by the Hungarian project partners, HÉTFA Research Institute and NATE – National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers, and brought together representatives of partner organisations and winners of national competitions. Serbia was represented in the international competition by Sladjana Stojanović, winner of the national STREAM IT Science Communication Competition.
The ST(R)E(A)M IT project brings together 21 partners from 19 European countries with the aim of encouraging greater participation of women and girls in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through skills development, mentoring, innovative educational approaches and international cooperation. The project contributes to reducing the gender gap in STEM fields and strengthening equal opportunities for education and professional development.
The International Science Communication Competition marked the culmination of a several-month mentoring programme implemented within the STREAM IT project. The programme focused on strengthening public speaking skills, presenting research results, and communicating complex scientific topics to wider audiences in a clear and accessible manner.
The international final brought together winners of national competitions from partner countries, who presented a wide range of scientific topics in an engaging, understandable and inspiring way. Representing Serbia, Slađana Stojanović delivered a presentation entitled “The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Career Guidance”, showcasing how AI tools can support career orientation and informed educational and professional decision-making.
Alongside the competition, a partner meeting was held to discuss the results of the mentoring programme. Representatives of organisations involved in the project exchanged experiences gained through their work with students in STE(A)M fields, reviewed programme outcomes, and explored opportunities for further use of the methodologies and tools developed within the project. Lija Stojković, Project Manager of the Association of Business Women in Serbia, participated in discussions with partners from across Europe on the implementation of the mentoring programme, achieved results, and future opportunities for supporting women and girls in STE(A)M.
Through brainstorming sessions and collaborative work, participants analysed insights emerging from the implementation of the mentoring activities, shared lessons learned, and identified good practices that can contribute to the further development of mentoring and support programmes for women in science, research and innovation. Particular attention was given to the sustainability and capitalisation of programme results, as well as to raising awareness of the importance of empowering young women in STEAM career pathways. Partners discussed opportunities for promoting and further utilising the developed methodologies through project communication channels, national events, awareness-raising campaigns, and future initiatives aimed at supporting women and girls in STEAM.
The discussions also explored ways in which the knowledge, tools and methodologies developed during the project can be integrated into the regular activities of partner organisations and applied in future training and capacity-building initiatives. The exchange of experiences enabled the identification of good practices, challenges and transferable elements of the mentoring approach that can be adapted and used in future projects and support programmes.
The International Science Communication Competition once again demonstrated the importance of science communication skills in connecting research with society. Through the STREAM IT project, young researchers have had the opportunity to strengthen their communication skills, acquire new knowledge and present their work on an international stage.
The ST(R)E(A)M IT – Streaming Girls and Women into STEAM Education, Innovation and Research project is being implemented from January 2024 to December 2026 and aims to reduce gender inequalities in STEAM education, research and innovation through skills development, mentoring, international cooperation and the creation of a more supportive environment for women and girls across Europe.
