Project Description
The ViReal4STEM project is designed to promote inclusivity and equity in STEM education, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups such as girls. Despite progress in gender equality, significant disparities persist in STEM-related careers, and this project aims to address these challenges by fostering engagement, motivation, and long-term success in STEM learning.
Central to the project is the use of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to create immersive educational experiences that inspire exploration and imagination in STEM fields. By integrating evidence-based practices and educational resources, ViReal4STEM seeks to reduce systemic barriers and encourage more students to envision futures in STEM careers.
To ensure the successful implementation of these products, the project includes the design and development of the app and framework, usability testing, training activities for educators, webinars, and a series of dissemination events at both national and European levels. By addressing STEM stereotypes and systemic barriers, ViReal4STEM will play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education.
By addressing STEM stereotypes and systemic barriers, ViReal4STEM will play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education. Its innovative approach will help traditionally excluded students gain confidence, develop positive STEM identities, and explore career paths they may not have previously considered.
Our objectives
Project objectives
1. Immersive VR experiences
Increase students’ exposure to STEM-related fields and careers through immersive VR experiences.
2. STEM career pathways
Introduce students to a variety of STEM career pathways to inspire and motivate them to pursue STEM-related fields.
3. STEM educational resources
Provide evidence-based practices and teaching materials to support teachers in adapting and implementing STEM educational resources in alignment with gender-inclusive education principles.
4. inclusive and supportive learning
Equip teachers with resources and knowledge to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student vocations and interests in STEM education.
People
Meet the people in ViReal4STEM
R. Bogdan Toma
UBUDr. Radu Bogdan Toma is a researcher and professor at the University of Burgos. His academic endeavor focuses on promoting STEM vocations through the assessment and improvement of affective domain (attitudes and motivation).
Tanja Mikulandra
GAVan IT teacher at Gymnasia Antuna Vrančića, leverages her extensive experience in programming and consulting to enhance learning. Her skills enrich education in programming, VR, graphic design, and 3D printing. During EU Code Week, she collaborates with students on mobile app development to teach computational principles.
Arkadiusz Kwaśny
4ExperienceArkadiusz Kwaśny is a visionary leader at 4experience Virtual & Augmented Reality Studio from Poland. As a Business Analyst & Product Design, he blends technical expertise with strategic innovation to redefine digital experiences.
Gema de Pablo
Siglo22Dr. Gema de Pablo González is a psychologist and holds a PhD in education from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She is an associate lecturer in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at the UAM. Expert in psychotherapeutic intervention in gender violence. Participates in several Erasmus+ research projects.
Lorena Aguilar
KveloceGraduate in Business Administration and Management with a major in Finance from the University of Valencia. Master's Degree in Digital Business Management from the UPV. Advanced Course in Internationalization of the company by the UPV . Working in Kveloce as a manager and consultant of European projects, she is currently responsible for the Erasmus+ projects area.
Petros Georgiakakis
ITsARTDr. Petros Georgiakakis, founder of ITsART and lecturer at the University of Nicosia, specializes in AI, EdTech, and STEM/STEAM education. With a PhD in Digital Systems, he leads teacher training across Europe and contributes to numerous EU-funded innovation projects.
Dr. Kati Clements
JYUDr. Kati Clements is a research coordinator at the University of Jyväskylä and visiting professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University. Since 2005, she has led projects in learning technologies, eBusiness, and open education. Her current focus is on AI in education, teacher training, and reducing technostress, with ongoing Finnish-Chinese collaborations in e-Education and e-Business.
Dr. Miguel Ángel Queiruga-Dios
UBUDr. Miguel Angel Queiruga-Dios holds a degree in Physics from the University of Salamanca and a PhD in Physics Teaching from the University of Burgos. He is a University Expert in Multimedia Applications.
Mariano Sanz Prieto
Siglo22Dr. Mariano Sanz Prieto is a Telecommunications Engineer and has significant experience working on educational technology. He has worked in several international and national projects in these areas since 1989 and is an expert in eLearning and ICT for education
Iraya Yánez Pérez
UBUDr. Iraya Yánez Pérez is a researcher and professor at the University of Burgos. Her research focuses on the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in STEM education.
Matias Mäki-Kuutti
JYUMatias Mäki-Kuutti is a doctoral and project researcher at the University of Jyväskylä, focusing on justice in educational group work. He works on international projects in STEAM and sustainability education, equality, and learning environments. Current projects include MultiLed, SCRAPPIES, ViReal4STEM, 3DSTEAM, and SteamCraft. He also manages science communication for the Innovative Learning Environments group and has contributed to EU-funded projects like STIMEY and LUMA2020.
Bojana Oreb
GAVBojana Oreb, a Physics Teacher Mentor, actively promotes STEM through school activities and initiatives like EU Code Week, World Space Week and Science Festival. As a Scientix Ambassador she often participates in new, innovative STEM projects with the aim of designing or testing learning scenarios.
Jessica Silvana Suárez Romero
KveloceGraduate in Government and International Relations from Universidad Santo Tomás de Colombia. Official Master by the UPV in Development Cooperation, specializing in Project Management and Development Processes. Junior Research Technician, she supports in the drafting of proposals for the Erasmus+ program, as well as in the implementation and monitoring of European projects linked to this program.
Nuria de Pablo
Siglo22Nuria de Pablo Sánchez is a Graduate in Journalism and Humanities from the Carlos III University of Madrid. Master in Interdisciplinary Intervention in Violence against women with a diploma as an Equality Agent from the International University of Valencia.
Josipa Biluš
GAVJosipa Biluš is a Biology and Chemistry teacher who participated in nature protection workshops with the Argonauts association and in the Erasmus+ program "Eco Patroles 4 Environment Goals." She also lectured at the Center of Excellence in Split, working with gifted students.
Anna Andriopoulou
ITsARTAnna Andriopoulou, veterinaria y gestora de proyectos en ITsART, combina su formación científica con su experiencia en la coordinación de proyectos educativos. Apasionada de la investigación y la innovación, apoya las iniciativas de la UE que fusionan la educación STEM con la práctica científica en el mundo real.
Ines Stojanović
GAVInes Stojanović, a Mathematics teacher, enjoys integrating new technology and ideas into her classes. She regularly organizes STEM activities to make Mathematics more accessible. Through the Evening of Mathematics, she aims to popularize the subject, emphasizing its everyday applications.
Orsolya Tuba
JYUOrsolya Tuba is a project researcher at the University of Jyväskylä’s Finnish Institute for Educational Research. She works on innovative learning environments and sustainability in education. Her doctoral research focuses on action competence for planetary well-being. Since 2022, she has contributed to international projects and developed teacher training in sustainable and inquiry-based learning.
India Trisic
KveloceIndia Trisic is a graduate in Social Work from the University of Valencia with a specialization in interculturality, cooperation, and social exclusion. She holds an Official Interuniversity Master's Degree in Development Cooperation, specialising in Project Management and Development Processes. She works at Kveloce as a manager and consultant in the Erasmus + Projects area.
Anamarija Žunić
GAVAnamarija Žunić holds a Master’s in Biology and Chemistry education with 4 years of working experience. She led an Eco-group in elementary schools and now works in a high school. Active in Botanical Gardens Week, she volunteers at science events and participates in the National Science Festival.
Partners
Working together
The “ViReal4STEM” project is co-funded by the European Union. The opinions and views expressed in this publication commit only the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the SEPIE National Agency can be held responsible for them.
Designed by Siglo22.
This work is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
