This week, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in collaboration with Consulta Europa Projects and Innovation SL, launched the “University We Want” Call for Essays under the EXPER Project at the Mini Science Fair 2024 run by the Canarian Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society (ACIISI) in the Canary Islands. This initiative aims to create a vibrant space for fostering dialogue among young minds regarding the crucial role of universities in the green and blue economy.
Presentation of the call for essays ‘The University We Want’ to secondary school students at the Mini Science Fair 2024 in the Canary Islands. 23 April 2024.
ACIISI Mini Science Fair 2024
Over four days of excitement and learning, the ACIISI Miniferias in Fuerteventura and La Palma proved to be a resounding success, inspiring scientific vocations among more than 450 students from Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The events took place at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, and at the Antonio García Sports Complex in Breña Alta, La Palma. More than 20 schools participated, with students ranging from 4th grade in Primary Education to 2nd year of Bachillerato, as well as students from various vocational training programs.
The The Canarian Science and Technology Park Foundation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (FCPCT-ULPGC), supported by the EXPER project, seized this opportunity to bring science closer to students and offer them a firsthand look at research being conducted in the Canary Islands.
Researchers from the ULPGC engaged the students in a variety of activities, showcasing their most significant scientific inventions, discoveries, and achievements. These included:
- Néstor Echedey Bosch Guerra, from the Institute for Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems, presented the activity “From Chaos to Opportunity: Learning from the Eruption of the Tajogaite Volcano in La Palma to Protect Our Marine Ecosystems.”
- Marisa Ana Andrada Borzollino and Elena Plamenova Stefanova, from the Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), presented an activity focused on the use of dyes and microscopes to observe cells, tissues, and bacteria in the context of studying diseases affecting goat farming.
- Pedro Jesús Cabrera Santana, from the Renewable Energy Systems Research Group (GRRES), led a session on smart energy titled “How AI Can Help Desalination Plants Better Harness Renewable Energy.”
- Ana Sofía Ramírez Corbera, from the Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, presented “What Should I Do If I Discover a New Bacteria?”
- Raibel Núñez González, from the Institute for Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-Ecoaqua), conducted a workshop titled “Sea Urchins as Allies in Protecting Our Oceans.”
- Luis Alberto Henríquez Hernández, from the Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research (iUIBS), discussed the environmental consequences of overusing electronic devices.
- Inma Herrera, from the Biodiversity and Conservation Research Group (BIOCON) at the ECOAQUA Institute, hosted a workshop called “Exploring the Marine World with Sheldon J. Plankton: Discover, Learn, and Protect Our Environment.”
These events not only highlighted the importance of scientific research in the Canary Islands but also encouraged students to pursue their own paths in science and innovation.
Call for Essays in the Canary Islands
Open to 3rd and 4th-year secondary school students as well as 1st and 2nd-year high school students, the activities will be divided in two calls until the end of the project. The first call invites participants to share their visions and proposals concerning university transformation, future priorities, and resilience in the face of contemporary social challenges.
1st Call: Running from April 2024 to July 2024, students are encouraged to submit essays related to the following themes:
- Blue and Circular Economy
- The Importance of Research for Society
- The Ideal University
Additionally, a Photo Contest on Social Media has been announced in Spanish, inviting participants to upload a creative photo related to their essay and tag @exper.project while using the hashtag #TheUniversityWeWant on Instagram and other social platforms. This initiative aims to amplify the reach of the essay call and engage more young individuals in shaping “The University We Want.”
The 2nd call in the Canary Islands will be announced soon.
Interested participants can access the call’s guidelines and requirements by visiting the official EXPER Project website and clicking on the following link: Convocatoria de Ensayos – The University We Want. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your ideas and be part of building the future of our universities!
Azores – Coming soon!
In the upcoming months, the “The University We Want” essay contest will expand its reach to the Azores region. The University of the Azores in São Miguel Island and Terinov in Terceira will collaborate to conduct similar activities among secondary students in the region. This expansion reflects the project’s commitment to engaging youth across different territories and fostering a broader dialogue on the future of universities and their role in sustainable development. Stay tuned for more details on how students in the Azores can participate and contribute their perspectives to this important discussion!
