The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) has once again participated in the Inspira STEAM project, marking its fourth consecutive year of involvement in this inspiring mentoring scheme.
This year’s edition — the seventh nationwide and sixth in the Camp de Tarragona — engaged approximately 1.600 primary school pupils from 29 local schools, thanks to the dedication of 133 volunteer mentors, all active professionals in science and technology.
Representing ICIQ in this edition were Laura Hernández Eguía (Escola Pràctiques, Tarragona), Beatriu Domingo (Agustí Barbera, Amposta), Meritxell Díaz Estirado (Pompeu Fabra, Reus), Marta Giménez Pedrós (Pau Delclós, Tarragona), and Marta Llorens Fons (Escola Antoni Roig, Torredembarra). These ICIQers led mentoring sessions designed to spark interest in science and technology among primary school pupils aged 11 to 12.
Reflecting on her experience, Marta Gimenez shared: “The Inspira STEAM programme, through a series of school based mentoring sessions, is a truly enriching experience. It allows you to bring science and technology closer to children, and at the same time, you also learn a lot from them. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling work.”
Inspira STEAM, promoted by the University of Deusto and coordinated locally by Cristina Urbina, professor at Universitat Rovira i Virgili. The programme is supported by a wide network of local educational institutions, companies, and research centres..
The closing event for this edition took place on June 9th and brought together mentors, educators and representatives from the partner companies. The event also featured keynote talks from Maria Gobern, communications and advocacy specialist at UN Women; Paloma Herrera, Director of Technology at H&T Presspart; and Ramon Alonso, ABB Product Manager at Dow, who also shared his experience as a mentor. Teachers from participating schools also spoke about the impact of the programme in their classrooms.
The programme’s success would not be possible without the strong support of the local community. Companies and institutions that have helped bring Inspira STEAM to life this year include:
– Honor Sponsors: Dow Chemical Ibérica, Essity, Watson-Marlow, Presspart Manufacturing
– Premium Sponsors: Repsol, Cargill, Elix, Magnera, Diputació de Tarragona
– Standard Sponsors: Kellanova, Alifarma, DuPont Water Solutions, Ajuntament de Reus-Pla educatiu d’entorn
– Collaborating Mentors: IPHES, ICIQ, Technip, Ctaima, Bostik
With growing participation year after year, the programme continues to demonstrate its meaningful impact across the region.
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