The Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation at the Science Park of Granada and a large consortium of Andalusian scientific and educational institutions, in which the CIMCYC participates, are launching "From Research to Practice: The Mothers of Science." This is a pilot project that connects research and educational outreach with a social and inclusive focus.
The initiative began on November 6 and will take place in the El Puche neighborhood (Almería) on various dates throughout November. It will conclude on December 11, 2025, with a featured activity in which students demonstrate their learning outcomes by serving as guides for their peers and family members.
The project was created to promote equitable and inclusive access to scientific culture among families, children, and young people who typically lack access to educational science outreach, with special attention to women and girls in socially vulnerable situations. The activities combine training, scientific workshops, visits to research centers and participatory sessions guided by the students.
A Program Designed from Scientific Evidence
The project is based on studies demonstrating that the role of families—and particularly mothers—is a key factor in young people's interest in and identification with science and technology, even outweighing factors such as gender or socioeconomic status. Therefore, the initiative focuses on their active participation to foster scientific vocations and reduce the gender gap in science from an early age.
A Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Effort
The project is organized by research and outreach institutions such as the Science Park—specifically its Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation—the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (the CIMCYC) at the University of Granada, the Calar Alto Observatory (Almería), the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC), the Scientific Outreach Service of the University of Almería and the Center for Migration Studies (CEMyRI) at the University of Almería.
It also benefits from collaboration with local social associations and educational centers: Ítaca, Movimiento por la Paz, IES Río Andarax and CEIP El Puche, joined by the European Space Agency's (ESA) European Resource Office for Space Education in Spain (ESERO-ESA).
Science Outreach "From the Heavens to the Earth"
The outreach program includes thematic sessions, workshops and a visit to the Calar Alto Observatory in Almería, all part of the educational series "From the Heavens to the Earth." The sessions began on November 6 and will have specific dates throughout November, culminating in a final activity on December 11. They will feature participation from astronomers, outreach specialists, and research personnel.
The planned activities include:
- Workshops on astronomy science and health directed at students and families (November 6 and 12).
- Visit to the Calar Alto Observatory (November 18).
- Installation and dissemination of the "Climate Change. Global Change Take It Seriously and Act!" micro-exhibition, guided by the students of IES Río Andarax (November 6 to December 11).
- "Rocket Launch" workshop delivered by the ESA's ESERO Spain Office (December 11).
Next Phases and Results
Following the program's execution, a scientific evaluation will be conducted to assess the impact of the activities on the perceptions and interests in science among the neighborhood's mothers and youth. The results will be used to produce a scientific report and a manual of recommendations for fostering inclusive scientific communication, as well as a video documentary featuring participant testimonials.
The CIMCYC team participating in the project consists of researchers from the Social Change Psychology Laboratory and the Scientific Outreach and Transfer Officer.
*Press release from the Science Park.