Engaging the next generation in bioeconomy at European Researchers' Night
8. Oct. 2024
On the 27th of Septemvber 2024, the ZSI team, representing the GenB project, participated in the European Researchers' Night in Graz, a European-wide event aimed at promoting public interest in science. The event featured two interactive sessions focused on introducing bioeconomy concepts to a diverse audience.
In the morning, a workshop was held with 10th-grade students (aged 16) from HLW Weiz (Höhere Lehranstalt für wirtschaftliche Berufe), a vocational secondary school specialising in business. The session began with an introduction to the bioeconomy, covering its core concepts and some of the controversial issues surrounding it. With 26 students participating, the group was divided into two, and with the assistance of facilitators from ZSI, they played the GenB Escape4Future - Chemistry meets Circular Bioeconomy game. The objective of the game is to challenge players to address the modern world's issues caused by a linear lifestyle model, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity. Players must solve six interconnected enigmas related to green chemistry and bioeconomy through hands-on experiments to find a way toward a more sustainable, circular lifestyle. Due to time limitations, the first four stations of the game were completed. Students were introduced to bio-based products and biomass, including the opportunity to create a bio-based "coffee scrub," which gave them practical insights into sustainable resource use. At the end of the session, participants were rewarded with GenB T-shirts, bags, and books.
The afternoon featured an exhibition that attracted hundreds of visitors of all ages. The ZSI/GenB stand, posters from the BioArtGallery, including one highlighting products made from elephant dung, which proved to be particularly popular. Visitors were intrigued by books made from elephant dung, which were displayed and distributed. Two tables featured a wide array of bio-based products: one displayed GenB gadgets, such as bio-based speakers and earphones, which captured the attention of younger visitors, while the second table presented everyday items like bioplastic bottles, wheat straw plates, and shirts made from wood, which drew the interest of adults eager to learn where these products could be purchased. Additionally, a station was set up for younger children to paint using natural colours made from spices, and a bioeconomy-themed memory game helped teach them about bioeconomy and sustainability.
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, as discussions were held with representatives from related sectors. Many teachers who visited the stand were informed about and encouraged to participate in future project activities specifically designed for educators. They also expressed interest in the educational materials created by the GenB project and were provided with information on how to access these resources through the project’s website and virtual library.
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