Reimagining STEAM for the Future
The webinar spotlighted the evolving role of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) as a driver for democratic, inclusive, and culturally responsive education. Through keynote talks and interactive discussions, participants explored how STEAM can move beyond traditional technical approaches to address complex societal challenges like digitalization, social equity, and civic participation.
webinar steam education
On May 6, 2025, the Municipality of Aveiro and the Lead Expert Monica Nagore hosted the Future STEAM Cities webinar, drawing 36 participants from across Europe. The session, titled “Beyond STEAM Education: Can We Imagine the Future of STEAM Education?”, created a vibrant space for cross-sector dialogue among educators, policymakers, academics, and innovators.
Key insights included:
- Storytelling in science fosters emotional connection and deeper understanding (Barnabas Wetton, Design School Kolding).
- Technology is a tool, not the goal — human relationships remain central to education (Pedro Pombo, University of Aveiro).
- Flexibility and relevance matter — STEAM is a mindset that adapts to local context (Renata Romanovienė, Jotvingių Gymnasium, Alytus).
Participants emphasized that:
- STEAM should extend beyond schools, engaging communities with real-world challenges.
- A playful, hands-on approach can help make STEAM accessible to all learners.
- Scaling innovation requires local action and global connection — starting with municipalities, teachers, students, and families.
Many were inspired by Aveiro’s structured STEAM City model and showed interest in implementing similar approaches in their own cities. Key areas of exploration include evaluation methods, sustainable ecosystems, and creative engagement tools.
What’s Next?
Following the session, participants were invited to share reflections via a survey and will continue co-developing practices through upcoming network and transnational meetings.
The next steps also include deeper collaboration on Investment & Continuity Plans to embed STEAM innovation more widely.
Looking ahead, two more webinars on STEAM education are planned:
- November 2025
- April 2026
➡️ Stay tuned and follow us on Facebook for updates, resources, and registration details: facebook.com/futureSTEAMcities