The DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University (HOU) participated at the 1st European STEAM Congress, held from February 3rd to 5th, 2025, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Congress was a major event dedicated to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) education through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Organized by the STEAMbrace project, the Congress brought together more than 150 educators, researchers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Europe to explore cutting-edge methodologies, hands-on workshops, and discussions on gender equality, diversity and inclusion in STEAM education and careers.
The Congress emphasized the promotion of diversity and inclusion in STEAM fields, with a special focus on enhancing female participation and supporting underrepresented groups. Attendees contributed to significant discussions and initiatives aimed at transforming STEAM education into a more inclusive and impactful discipline.
The DAISSy Research Group presented two posters, about project SpicE and project The SEER. HOU Professor Achilles Kameas, Director of DAISSy Research Group, was invited to present a comprehensive approach to STEAM educators’ competence development, and to participate in a panel discussion on the topic of gender equality in STEAM education and careers. Prof. Kameas presented the activities of DAISSy research group in projects SpicE and The SEER, including the STEAM educators/ competence frameworks, the MOOCs and training courses and the draft roadmap towards a European STEAM education policy.
Achilles emphasized the importance of increasing the participation of women in STEAM education, by raising awareness, changing mindsets, offering incentives and taking all appropriate measures. Moreover, he argued that achieving the highest possible degree of inclusion in STEAM education and careers is crucial for the future and all necessary resources must be allocated for achieving it the soonest possible.
In addition to several very interesting presentations and panels on topics related to gender equality and STEAM education, the Congress included a number of workshops, in which the participants had the opportunity to use technology and carry out STEAM education activities. Achilles, together with colleagues, had a lot of fun creating flashing bookmarks and sparkling-water-based rockets!
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