Speaker
Description
The Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) leads the "Maak & Ontdek" (Make & Discover) project, demonstrating how research institutions can address educational inequality through innovative mobile outreach. This three-year regional collaboration of six partners in science, technology and circularity will serve 11,500+ young people across the socioeconomically challenging South and East Drenthe province in the Netherlands, specifically targeting schools and families with limited resources for educational excursions.
Traditional science communication requires students to visit research facilities, creating access barriers for underfunded schools in remote areas. Make & Discover reverses this: we bring science directly to students through a mobile escape room, modular lesson kits, and a traveling "Make & Discover Bus". This ensures socioeconomic status and geographic location don't determine children's exposure to cutting-edge science and technology in both formal and informal education.
The communication strategy centres on immediate, measurable impact. We document real-time engagement during mobile visits, measuring excitement, comprehension, and stated interest in technical careers. Short-term indicators include increased participation in follow-up activities and teachers requesting return visits.
Crucially, this model will demonstrate economic sustainability for science communication programs. By engaging regional businesses as sponsors and co-creators of educational content, we're developing a framework reducing dependence on traditional outreach funding. Companies provide both financial support and real-world context, showing students direct pathways from classroom learning to local career opportunities.
For communication professionals, this presentation offers inspiration for mobile program development, methods for measuring impact, and frameworks for building business partnerships supporting science outreach. We'll share insights on logistics, content adaptation, and techniques for creating memorable experiences that spark genuine scientific curiosity.
This model shows research institutions can drive regional equity while building sustainable community partnerships.
