At the onset of 2024, the RIGA STEAM Ecosystem partners, including representatives from Riga Technical University (RTU), RTU "Futurimo Rīga" Curiosity Center, "Datorium," "LMT," University of Latvia (LU), RTU Riga Business School, ISSP UL, "Riga TechGirls," UL School of Young Physicists, IT Education foundation "Start(IT)", the Association of the Latvian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry, and International School of Innovations convened for their second meeting to discuss and solidify plans for enhancing STEAM education in Riga. The outcome of this meeting promises an exciting array of opportunities for Riga students in the coming year.
Amidst a relaxed atmosphere, these diverse stakeholders engaged in discussions, reflecting on the achievements of 2023 and outlining ambitious goals for the future. The event focused on strengthening collaboration between organizations, municipalities, companies, and academia, with an emphasis on advancing STEAM initiatives.
Notable conversations centered around integrating artificial intelligence into STEAM education, with a shared vision to kindle interest in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. A significant proposal emerged during the discussions – the creation of a STEAM School Bag program, echoing the success of the Latvian School Bag cultural education initiative, designed to enrich students’ learning experiences in STEAM subjects.
The RIGA STEAM ecosystem, with its diverse and enthusiastic participants, remains committed to inspiring the skills essential for future industries. As a beacon of collaboration and innovation, the initiative paves the way for a seamless integration of education and industry, setting the tone for a year of meaningful progress.
For the ISSP UL, involvement in the RIGA STEAM Ecosystem is important because it aims to inspire young minds to get involved in science, which, in order, will facilitate the arrival of a future generation of scientists joining the institute.
