Sparkling Science

Science linking with Schools

Sparkling Science is a research programme created by the Federal Ministry of Science and Research, which adopts an unconventional way in the promotion of young scientists since 2007 that is unique in Europe and enables children and youngsters early access to the fascinating world of science and research.

In so far 167 supported projects more than 30,000 pupils worked and work side by side with researchers in current scientific questions from various topics. The young colleagues take an active part and work independently on parts of the research projects. They introduce important suggestions into the research approach, collaborate in the conception and conducting of investigations, conduct polls, collect data, interpret it together with the researchers and present the results at schools, universities and even at scientific conferences. Green chemistry, nano materials, robotics, climate change, migration – the range of topics is a broad one and ranges from literature of the Middle Ages to Ambient Assisted Living. Funding provided by Sparkling Science is open to all topics.

The aim of Sparkling Science, on the education side, is to spark young people’s interest in research and, on the research side, to gain innovative findings. In the long run Sparkling Science wants to remove structural barriers and thus create a stimulus for permanent collaboration between research institutions and schools.

Calls for application: every year
Total funding: 3 million € per year
Eligible for application: university and non-university research institutions, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and university colleges of teacher education

Further information: www.sparklingscience.at