Attention teachers! Scientix^®: a platform packed with science-focused services

Published: August 7, 2025

Scientix^® is an invaluable meeting point where educators can access a wide range of relevant services for free. These include innovative community-building programmes, engaging global campaign initiatives, inspiring teaching materials and news items, and much more. We spoke with Dr Agueda Gras-Velazquez, Science Programme Manager and Head of the Science Education Department at European Schoolnet^® (EUN), to discuss the achievements and latest developments of the Scientix^® community.

What is Scientix^®?

Over the past 14 years, Scientix^® has evolved from a small online platform into a dynamic, thriving community for science education in Europe, with thousands of members, resources and evermore opportunities to connect with science education projects and STEM education educators, researchers, policy makers and industry representatives.

The core values remain the same as we continue to work on science education in many different ways: we bring new topics and pedagogies in the classroom, support teachers with courses and resources, and enable collaboration between key education stakeholders to transform STEM education for the 21st century.

For this reason, we work with the Ministries of Education STEM Representatives Working Group to define our priorities and shape education policy, with STEM Industry partners through the STEM Alliance by Scientix^® to bring real-world and employment perspectives, and of course, with our Scientix^® Ambassadors, teachers and academic experts to improve practice in the classroom.

How does Scientix^® help teachers stay up to date?

Scientix^® is an essential platform for teachers to explore the constantly evolving landscape of pedagogies and topics at the heart of European education. One such evolution is the European Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, presented as part of the Union of Skills, which highlights the value of Integrated STEM education, a pedagogy that has long been at the heart of Scientix^®.

Integrated STEM teaching and learning, also known as STE(A)M, breaks down the barriers of subject-based education by focusing on transversal and problem-based classroom experiences. The ‘A’ stands for integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics with all other topics in the curriculum, from arts to physical education, to help students connect with science and make learning more contextual and relevant.

Such pedagogies go beyond addressing the gaps in what we teach and seek to improve how we teach, and present challenges for educators who need training, support and tools. This is why it is important for Scientix^® to continue collaborating with EU-funded projects, like the STE(A)M Education European Roadmap, which bring together all education stakeholders for the long-term inclusion of STE(A)M in European curricula. Scientix^® is also focused on introducing STE(A)M education at an early age, and we are thrilled to be expanding our activities in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and to propose STE(A)M-based resources for teachers, in addition to inspiring STEM role models for younger students in projects like OUTSTE(A)M.

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Another major development in European science education is the increasing space allocated to developing environmental knowledge, empathy and competences in formal education. As the European Comission’s GreenComp framework becomes more central to achieve the ambitions of the EU Green Deal, Scientix^® collaborates on initiatives like BUSTIC EDU, which will help educators navigate and develop green competences, and will centralise GreenComp resources in the upcoming Scientix® Collections, developed in partnership with CISCO.

I couldn’t talk about Scientix^® without mentioning our annual Scientix^® STEM Discovery Campaign, which has become a flagship event for science education in Europe.

The Scientix^® STEM Discovery Campaign is a global effort inviting educators and organisations to celebrate STEM careers and studies. Taking place from February to April, participants share activities on its interactive world map.

The 2025 edition wrapped up in April, and it was a great success, with over 6,500 STEM activities shared by educators, engaging more than 800,000 participants across the world, including over 600,000 students.

Every year, we also organise the Scientix^® Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of science teachers in various fields and subjects. For the 2025 edition, we awarded more than 50 educators from around the world, many of whom were invited to join a workshop in the Future Classroom Lab in Brussels, discovering resources, projects, and new technologies to enhance their practice. Of course, they also sampled Belgian waffles, fries and chocolates!

This year, the Scientix^® portal unveiled a brand new design. What has changed?

The redesign of the portal makes it easier to use, giving all users a better experience. But this is more than just a new look: it also includes brand new content.

One of the new features is the Scientix^® Community Tool, a mobile app designed to help educators and Scientix^® Ambassadors work together and share knowledge. The tool is available in 37 languages and allows users all over the world to connect with each other using an interactive map, provide their views through regular polls and access opportunities.

There are also the Scientix^® Interest Groups, comprising online and in-person communities where members exchange ideas and best practices to improve STEM education in Europe. These groups, recognised by Scientix^® for their quality and integrity, show what committed individuals can achieve when they cooperate.

What resources can teachers find in the Scientix^® portal?

Our improved Resources page is another highlight of the redesign of the Scientix^® portal. The new layout organises the page into three categories: Knowledge, Networking and Professional Development.

The Knowledge section provides useful materials on STEM topics, job profiles, research reports and background on Scientix^® initiatives. Futurum resources are also featured here, in the Teaching materials category.

The Networking Resources section provides support for content oriented towards community building. Here, users will have access to the Scientix^® Blog and to the Scientix^® Interest Groups that I mentioned earlier, for professional exchange and collaboration.

Finally, the Professional Development section brings together all of the learning opportunities offered by Scientix^®, including MOOCs (created in collaboration with the European Schoolnet Academy), webinars and workshops. It also allows school leaders to explore the STEM School development framework and find out more about the STEM School Label support for school STEM strategies.

This new structure makes it easier than ever to explore and grow within the Scientix® resources ecosystem.

What inspires your passion for the Scientix^® mission to integrate science education and connect STEM subjects with the world around us?

I always say the same thing, and it’s because I firmly believe it: science shapes every aspect of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the technology we use. It opens up a world of infinite possibilities for everyone.

At Scientix^®, we promote science education to inspire future scientists and ensure that all students recognise the important role that science plays in society, regardless of their chosen career path. Through fostering curiosity, supporting relevant policies and encouraging public engagement, our goal is to create a world where science continues to enrich lives and address the challenges of tomorrow.

And working with European teachers is a daily source of inspiration. Their commitment and passion never cease to amaze me, and it is rewarding to see the Scientix^® community growing and helping them learn and connect with each other. So check our news section and subscribe to our newsletters to ensure you don’t miss out!

About Dr Agueda Gras-Velazquez

“As Head of the Science Education Department at European Schoolnet® (EUN), I oversee the coordination of all STEM projects in which EUN is involved. Additionally, I oversee the day-to-day management of Scientix® (the leading science education community in Europe) and coordinate EUN’s Ministries of Education STEM Representatives Working Group.”

Connect with Scientix^®

Scientix® is the leading science education community, bringing together everyone involved to create a world in which STEM is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. As a platform for connection and guidance, Scientix® enables all key stakeholders to participate in shaping a future where science education plays a central role in our society. Scientix® is coordinated by European Schoolnet®, the network of 30 plus ministries of education.

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