Skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are becoming an increasingly important part of basic literacy in today's knowledge economy. To keep Europe growing, we will need one million additional researchers by 2020. Yet science education can no longer be viewed as elite training for future scientists or engineers; only science-aware citizens can make informed decisions and engage in dialogue on science-driven societal issues.

European Schoolnet is at the forefront of the debate on how to attract more people to science and technology to address the future skills gap that Europe is facing. STEM is one of European Schoolnet's major thematic domains. We have been involved in more than 30 STEM education initiatives, financed through European Schoolnet's Ministry of Education members, industry partners, or by the European Union's funding programmes.

The portfolio of European Schoolnet STEM projects ranges from teacher training (Amgen Teach) to technology-enhanced learning (Next-Lab), and science awareness for schools (Space Awareness).

European Schoolnet is also leading the work of two strategic initiatives in science and mathematics education in Europe: STEM Alliance and Scientix.

STEM ALLIANCE: INGENIOUS EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY

The STEM Alliance builds on the success of the inGenious initiative (2011-2014), strengthening links between STEM education and careers, involving schools all across Europe. The STEM Alliance is coordinated by European Schoolnet and CSR Europe ((the business network of Corporate Social Responsibility).

With the support of 15 major industries and private partners, the STEM Alliance - for inGenious Education and Industry - promotes STEM jobs in all industrial sectors and contributes to building a STEM-skilled workforce. The STEM Alliance joins forces to improve and promote existing industry-education STEM collaboration (at national, European and global levels) and supports innovation in approaches to STEM teaching.

SCIENTIX: The Community for science education in Europe

The Scientix project promotes teaching materials from STEM research projects and supports Europe-wide collaboration among science and maths teachers, researchers, policymakers and other professionals in STEM education. Originally, an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the project receives financial support from the seventh Framework Programme of the European Union.

See all our current and past STEM projects.