Science is Wonderful: EU Researchers Engage Children with New Inventions

• The EU-funded "Science is Wonderful!" fair in Brussels connected over 150 researchers with more than 4,200 children aged 7 to 18 to bridge the gap between academia and the next generation.
• Most research presented was led by Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the EU’s doctoral and postdoctoral research training programme.
• The event aimed to deconstruct the "ivory tower" myth of science by showcasing interactive projects ranging from health and biology to mathematics.

Featured Research Projects

• Health & Fitness: Researchers from the University of Granada used a "superhero" persona (Mr. Fit) to teach children about exercise, nutrition, and sleep as part of the PreCaFit research.
• Bacterial Sound: Alberto Martín-Pérez and Liga Jasulaneca (Technical University of Delft) demonstrated the PROPHOTOM project, using sensors to turn the invisible vibrations of bacteria into audible sound for students.
• Infectious Diseases: Raquel Martins Lana presented the REGIME project, teaching children about climate-sensitive diseases like dengue and malaria, which are expanding into Europe due to climate change.
• Mathematical Surfaces: Roberta Marziani of the University of Siena utilized soap bubbles to explain the TopSing project, which studies minimal surfaces to improve designs for electronics and architecture.

Creative Engagement

• Artist Valentine De Cort facilitated "invention sessions," where she created live illustrations of children's creative ideas, ranging from water-to-soda converters to devices that block out parental chores.
• The event emphasized the shared curiosity between scientists and children, viewing both groups as naturally inquisitive seekers of answers.