“Cities in STEAM,” No. 101305453, HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01-01
“Cities in STEAM” is an international project that brings together five Lithuanian science and higher education institutions and a science communication center with a common goal: to bring science closer to everyone and demonstrate its importance in everyday life. The project invites people to view science not as an activity confined to the closed doors of laboratories, but as an important part of our daily lives that helps address challenges related to climate change, sustainability, technology, education, health, and social issues.
The project will encourage the public not to observe science from the sidelines, but to actively participate in it—to explore, create, experiment, and seek solutions together with scientists and researchers. A variety of activities will provide an opportunity to get a closer look at the research process, discover the impact of science on everyday life, and see how new knowledge contributes to the creation of more sustainable, innovative, and people-friendly cities.
“Science begins with curiosity and a desire to understand the world around us. When this curiosity meets the knowledge and experience of researchers, ideas are born that can change our environment, communities, and cities. We believe that ‘Cities in STEAM’ will encourage young people to ask questions, explore, and discover more boldly that science is much closer to their everyday lives than it sometimes seems.” — Prof. Dr. Aelita Bredelytė, Director of the Methodological STEAM Center at Klaipėda University
The main project activities are “Researchers’ Night,” “Researchers in Schools,” and “Science Communication Academy.” These events will foster a dynamic connection between researchers, teachers, students, and the general public, while encouraging young people’s interest in scientific research, STEAM fields of study, and career opportunities. Participants will be invited to STEAM camps, creative workshops, discussions on art and science, and other interactive activities that will reveal how research in various fields—from oceanography and artificial intelligence to education, health, and the social sciences—contributes to building a better society.
“Today, it is more important than ever to foster young people’s interest in science, because they are the ones who will develop solutions to the most complex challenges of the future—from climate change to the advancement of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, critical thinking, the ability to evaluate public information, and communication are becoming essential skills for everyone, regardless of their chosen profession. This is precisely what the ‘Science Communication Academy’ project will help foster.” — Laima Zamžickė, STEAM Network Coordinator, Methodological Center for STEAM Education at Vilnius University
Over the two years of the project, the goal is to reach more than 10,000 participants, including over 5,000 students, teachers, and scientists. Special attention will be paid to inclusion and accessibility: activities are designed based on the principles of universal design to ensure that children, youth, families, seniors, and people with disabilities can participate, both in Lithuania’s major cities and in the regions.
“Initiatives such as ‘Cities in STEAM’ help strengthen the connection between science and society by giving people the opportunity to learn about science through hands-on activities, direct interaction with researchers, and solving real-world problems. This not only builds trust in science but also helps people better understand the vital role science plays in our daily lives—from technology and health to the creation of sustainable cities and the well-being of society. Such initiatives also encourage people to get more actively involved, take an interest in science, and work together to find solutions to today’s challenges.” — Dr. Judita Žukauskienė, Director of the STEAM Didactics Center, Vytautas Magnus University
This is one of the largest science outreach projects in Lithuania, creating a space for dialogue between science and society. “Cities in STEAM” aims not only to increase interest in science but also to strengthen trust in scientific research and to foster curiosity, creativity, and active civic engagement.
“We hope that the young participants in ‘Cities in STEAM’ will take away from these activities not only new knowledge, but also a very important realization—that science isn’t somewhere far away, behind the doors of a laboratory, but is present in their city, their backyard, their school, and their everyday choices. We hope that these STEAM activities will help them see that a researcher isn’t an unattainable figure, but rather a person who asks questions, questions assumptions, seeks answers, and creates solutions together with others. If, after the project, even some of the children and young people look at their surroundings with greater curiosity—as a place that can be explored, changed, and protected—then the project will have left a very important mark. Above all, we hope they’ll take away the courage to ask questions and the understanding that the cities of the future begin not with technology, but with people who can identify problems and aren’t afraid to seek smart, creative solutions.” — Vaida Pituškienė, Director of the Marijampolė Regional STEAM Center
“Cities in STEAM” invites everyone to become part of the change and to work together to create a future where science helps solve society’s most pressing challenges, strengthens communities, and contributes to the creation of more sustainable and resident-friendly cities. Because science that transforms cities begins with people who are determined to learn, create, and act together.
“Science helps create smarter cities by leveraging technologies that enable more efficient management of buildings, transportation, traffic, and urban infrastructure, while reducing the impact on the environment. Most importantly, however, these solutions improve people’s daily lives—from cleaner air and easier mobility to more sustainable public spaces. During the events, visitors will not only be able to learn about these technologies but also try them out for themselves, gaining an understanding of how science contributes to the creation of cities of the future.” — Agnietė Kielė, Director of the Kaunas STEAM Methodological Center
Project partners: Klaipėda University, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, Mykolas Romeris University, and the “Mokslo Sala” Center for the Dissemination of Science and Innovation.
Project value: 300,000 EUR.
Project No. 101305453, HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01-01.
All news related to the project is published on the website https://cities-in-steam.ku.lt/ and on the “Cities in STEAM” Facebook page.
The project is funded under the “MSCA and Citizens” action of the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” research and innovation program. The “Horizon Europe” program is the EU’s flagship initiative in the field of research and innovation, promoting scientific progress, international cooperation, and the creation of innovations.