Source: Ikerbasque and BC3
Ikerbasque and BC3 researchers give conferences in basque learning centres to awaken research vocations in a-level students
Internationally renowned Ikerbasque and BC3 Researchers will participate in an innovative initiative to connect Basque learning centres with the reality of the scientific community and to awaken research vocations among A-level students. The aim is to convey the reasons for choosing a research career and above all to attack misconceptions about science, as opposed to discussing lines of research in detail.
The project has been baptised Training Caravan/Ikertzaileak Gelan. In total, around 30, hour and a half long, conferences will be held between 17th January and 15th April, all in English. It's not about explaining a particular line of research in great detail - it's about conveying the reasons to choose this career.
Subjects addressed will vary greatly, stretching from Experimental Science to the Humanities, pausing at Medical and Life Sciences, Earth Science and the Environment, Economics and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Information Technology. The Training Caravan/Ikertzaileak Gelan promoters are conscious that a single isolated talk cannot determine future professional vocations, but trust that this type of activity will serve to connect Basque research with Secondary Education, allowing students to find out about research careers and to see this as an option for the future.
Successful Pilot Scheme
In 2010, prior to launching this first edition of the Training Caravan, the Basque Government's Department of Education, along with Ikerbasque and BC3, carried out a pilot project to evaluate receptivity to this kind of initiative. A total of 12 talks were organised from May to November in various learning centres in Alava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa. These were followed-up with a satisfaction survey that was completed by students and teachers at each centre.
Four Climate Change experts from BC3 and six IKERBASQUE researchers in subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Economic Sciences, History or Medicine spoke at selected centres, with a very positive result, generally speaking. A broad majority of participants found the talks extremely interesting and thought they had improved their knowledge of research activity.
With this programme now under way, over 1,000 A-level students in Basque educational centres will be able to know first hand the work carried out by various researchers in the Basque Country. The initiative will take place in the three historic territories, in their three capital cities and other towns: Leioa, Elgoibar, Trapagaran, Mutriku, Getxo, Oñati, Hernani, Barakaldo, Tolosa, Beasain, Lazkao, Durango, Lasarte, Agurain, Azkoitia, Iurreta, Basauri and Urretxu.