The scientific sphere is not immune to social prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion affecting specific groups, such as people with disability, women, immigrants, and ethnic and racial minorities.  

The EU project "Communities 4 Sciences" (C4S) aims at promoting inclusion in science across participating European countries (Italy, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Sweden and Germany) by tackling two fundamental issues:

(1) science education, and

(2) cooperation with underrepresented groups as key stakeholders and social agents.

Our team in Vienna focuses on the C4S project dedicated to working with children from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, we will offer Inclusive Science Education – workshops at primary schools with a high proportion of children from migrant family backgrounds.

The science education activities planned will revolve mainly around sustainability (ecological and social), exploring it in a playful, inclusive and creative way, from a child-centered perspective. They will promote science awareness and possibilities, as well as intersectional sensitivity. Following a participatory approach, we will engage children as co-creators – bringing into our workshops their interests, curiosity, needs, resources and life experiences.

To reach the aims of the project we are currently searching for:

• scientists and students from all walks of life and colorful personal backgrounds, who would like to join one of the workshops as scientific role-models

We are very flexible regarding how you would like to be involved and are happy to adapt to your area expertise, interests, and availability. The shared goal should be to inspire and empower children to explore their own understanding of inclusive science.

Starting in fall 2021.

Interested? Contact julia.rusin@wu.ac.at

For more details à visit C4S Website and our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

[This text was contributed by Julia Rusin - STaR colleague at RCE Vienna]