APP has been selected as the coordinator of the international project STEM for Science, Technology, Awareness & Researchers (STEM4STAR), funded under the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools 2026–2027 call within the Horizon Europe programme.
A total of 241 applications from across Europe were submitted to the competition, 49 projects of which were recommended for funding by the European Commission. The STEM4STAR project received the highest possible evaluation across all criteria. For Ukraine, this represents one of the first successful participations in the European Researchers’ Night initiative under Horizon Europe.
At APP, the project will be implemented by:
- the Department of Cartography and Geospatial Modelling, the Institute of Geodesy;
- the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies and Electronic Engineering;
- the Department of General Physics, the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Fundamental Sciences.
Primary Coordinator Contact is Mykola Brych and Coordinator Contacts is Khrystyna Marusazh.
The consortium also includes the public organization Tech StartUp School, the Science Park of APP, and the Department of Education and Science of the Lviv Regional State Administration.
The project aims to promote science and enhance STEM literacy among young people and the wider public, while strengthening engagement between researchers and society. It aims to demonstrate how scientific research and innovation contribute to understanding the world and addressing contemporary societal challenges.
A distinctive feature of the project is its interdisciplinary approach, integrating geospatial technologies, digital innovation, and fundamental scientific research. This collaboration highlights how combining diverse scientific domains with modern technologies creates new opportunities for research and innovation.
The project will feature a wide range of activities in Ukraine, including:
- European Researchers’ Night science festivals;
- Researchers at Schools initiatives;
- geospatial and STEM-focused events, such as interactive geospatial games, cartographic challenges, and mapathons;
- demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements;
- educational programmes, mentoring initiatives, and startup competitions for young people.
Particular emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking, as well as geospatial and digital competencies, and on fostering young people’s interest in scientific careers and innovation. Over the two-year period, the project is expected to engage tens of thousands of participants, highlighting the role of science in societal development and supporting Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and European integration.
The project is implemented under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which supports research careers, science communication, and public engagement with science.
APP is proud to lead this initiative in collaboration with its partners, contributing to the development of a new generation of curious, creative, and innovative young people who will shape the future.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to engage with science.
