Can cities and smaller communities benefit from building local ecosystems for STEM as a driver of development? We at FabLab believe they can, and we are proud that representatives from cities across Croatia (Čakovec, Garešnica, Novska, Dubrovnik, Zagreb…) participated in the first international conference on the popularization of science with an emphasis on building local ecosystems for STEM as a driver of development titled SCOPE – Science Connects People held in Zagreb from September 26 to 28, 2024.
The conference was officially opened at the House of Europe in Zagreb with the presence of representatives from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Parliament, the City, and the European Commission Representation who supported this initiative, as well as representatives from the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, with whose support the conference was realized (through Thematic Systematic Support for the area of ‘STEM as a driver of development‘). The second day of the conference was held at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum with the participation of numerous domestic and foreign panelists. The next conference will be held in June 2025 in Garešnica in collaboration with the Natura 2000 Visitor Center and the Garešnica Infinity Festival.
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As a concluding part of the conference, on September 28, the Maker Expo Zagreb event promoting STEM was held at the premises of OŠ Središće – this format we want to offer for use to other communities that wish to strengthen their own ecosystem through such activities.
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FabLab is also conducting other activities within the Thematic Systematic Support for the area of ‘STEM as a driver of development’, among which the most interesting for the public, especially children and youth, are science-popular events. Throughout the year, the association has conducted activities at events in Čavle, Osijek, Čakovec, Zagreb, Sibinj, Garešnica, Novska, Gornja Stubica, and on the island of Prvić, and at the end of the year, a grand finale will be held in Dubrovnik at the “Colorful Winter in Uvala” which takes place as part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. On that occasion, we will expand our thematic network with new members.
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In addition to expanding cooperation in individual communities, we are dedicated to creating three STEM centers: continental, Adriatic, and mountain (more at https://agl.fablab.hr/).
If you think your local community could benefit from the implementation of science-popular activities, or if we have motivated you to host an event or regional center, please contact us at [email protected].
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