Foundation for Management and industrial research partner in the Horizon Europe project “STREAM IT – Streaming girls and women into STEAM education, innovation and research”

In the pursuit of gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research has embarked on a ground breaking journey. Partnering with a consortium of 20 organizations from 19 European countries, MIR is part of the Horizon Europe project titled “STREAM IT – Streaming girls and women into STEAM education, innovation, and research.”

The project kicked off with a meeting in Budapest, Hungary, marking the commencement of a €2 million endeavour spanning three years. Managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), STREAM IT aims to address persistent gender inequalities in STEM education, research, and innovation. At its core lies a commitment to realizing the objectives outlined in ‘The European Manifesto for gender-inclusive STE(A)M education and careers.’

STREAM IT holds a multifaceted approach to tackle the systemic barriers hindering the participation of women and girls in STEM. Its primary objectives include empowering underrepresented groups in STEM, integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approaches into STEM education, fostering gender-inclusive career paths, and supporting STEM education providers in removing gender-based barriers.

Empowerment is key to the success of STREAM IT. By providing support and resources to underrepresented groups in STEM, the project seeks to equip them with the tools and confidence needed to thrive in these fields. Through mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities, STREAM IT aims to cultivate a supportive environment conducive to the growth of women and girls in STEM.

Furthermore, STREAM IT advocates for the integration of STEAM approaches into STEM education. By synthesizing previous knowledge and networks, the project aims to pilot innovative methods that promote interdisciplinary learning and creativity. This holistic approach not only enhances the quality of education but also encourages a diverse range of students to pursue STEM subjects.

Promoting gender-inclusive career paths is another cornerstone of STREAM IT. By showcasing the diverse range of opportunities available in STEM fields, the project seeks to attract more women to pursue careers in these sectors. Through targeted outreach efforts and awareness campaigns, STREAM IT aims to challenge gender stereotypes and break down barriers that have traditionally deterred women from entering STEM professions.

Moreover, STREAM IT is committed to supporting STEM education providers in creating inclusive learning environments. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the project aims to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to address gender-based biases and stereotypes. Through capacity-building initiatives, STREAM IT seeks to foster a culture of equality and diversity within STEM education.

In essence, STREAM IT represents a collective effort to close the gender gap in STEM education and careers. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors, the project aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. As we embark on this journey, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women and girls in STEM, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

The consortium driving the STREAM IT project comprises a diverse array of organizations from across Europe, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the project:

HETFA KUTATOINTEZET KFT (HETFA), Hungary and the following other beneficiaries: F6S NETWORK IRELAND LIMITED (F6S IE) Ireland, STEINBEIS 2I GMBH (Steinbeis) Germany, REGIONALNA AGENCIJA ZA PREDPRIEMACHESTVO I INOVACII-VARNA (RAPIV) Bulgaria, UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (UBB) Romania, SAULETEKIO SLENIO MOKSLO IR TECHNOLOGIJU PARKAS (SUNRISE TECH) Lithuania, CESIE (CESIE) Italy, NOK A TUDOMANYBAN EGYESULET (NATE) Hungary, TEHNOLOSKI PARK VARAZDIN DOO ZA INKUBACIJU INOVATIVNIH TEHNOLOGIJSKIHPODUZECA (VA TECHPARK) Croatia, USTANOVA HISA EKSPERIMENTOV (UHE) Slovenia, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION BUREAU OF RESEARCH, INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES (NGO BRIT) Ukraine, INSTITUT MIHAJLO PUPIN (IMP) Serbia, ADDSEN SRO (ADDSEN) Slovakia, UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS (UBU) Spain, FOUNDATION FOR MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION (MIR) Macedonia, CANDIDE INTERNATIONAL BV (CANDIDE) Belgium, EIT FOOD CLC NORTH-EAST SP ZOO (EIT FOOD) Poland, STEM ISLAND Iceland, WOMEN IN TECH-GOTHENBURG (WIT) Sweden, UDRUZENJE POSLOVNIH ZENA SRBIJE (UPZ ABW) Serbia.