The kick-off meeting of the European project STEPS (SCIENCE FOR GROWTH – EMPOWERING MINDS) was successfully held on 8 June 2026 in the Senate Hall of the Gallos Campus, University of Crete, in Rethymnon. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) framework.

Representatives of the project partners—the University of Crete, the Technical University of Crete, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)—participated in the meeting, marking the official launch of the collaboration and the planning of upcoming activities.

The STEPS project is grounded in the principles of the Growth Mindset approach and aims to strengthen the connection between science and society, promote STEAM education, and engage students, teachers, and researchers in innovative learning and science communication activities.

During the meeting, the project objectives, work packages, and key deliverables were presented, with particular emphasis on the development of the STEPS Toolkit, an innovative educational resource designed to support the Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools initiatives. In addition, the partners presented the training program through which researchers from the participating institutions, as well as teachers, will receive free training in the pedagogical principles of the project through the Centre for Training and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the University of Crete.

As part of the project, more than 50 Learning Labs will be implemented in schools, aiming to engage over 5,000 students and more than 400 researchers and educators.

STEPS is expected to make a substantial contribution to strengthening scientific culture, fostering educational innovation, and enhancing the connection between research and society.

SCIENCE FOR GROWTH – EMPOWERING MINDS (STEPS)
Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Grant Agreement No. 101305402