Get involved as a researcher – reach new students through Vetenskapens Hus
Lecturing about your research to secondary school students or engaging with their teachers is an excellent way to recruit more students and strengthen KTH’s brand. We are now looking for more dedicated researchers to collaborate with Vetenskapens Hus.
“I believe in real connections,” says Anders Blomqvist, an educational developer in chemistry at Vetenskapens Hus, who welcomes more researchers working in STEM fields.
Vetenskapens Hus – which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 – was established to foster greater interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 2023, Vetenskapens Hus welcomed a total of 42,800 visitors, primarily pupils from various schools, as well as teachers seeking professional development.
At KTH, Anders Blomqvist’s main contact in his field has been Stefan Ståhl, Professor of Molecular Biotechnology at CBH. Stefan, in turn, has introduced other researchers in the life sciences to the initiative. However, Anders Blomqvist is eager to establish more connections across all schools at KTH.
“In my experience, researchers have become highly skilled at communicating their work in an engaging way. I am absolutely convinced that many researchers at KTH could easily deliver lectures that captivate secondary school students," he says.
Professor Stefan Ståhl often collaborates with My Hedhammar, Professor of Molecular Bioscience, and Peter Savolainen, Professor of Genetic Engineering, when giving lectures. Together, they offer students three distinct talks on various topics within Life Sciences.
“It is incredibly rewarding to share your research with young people”
Stefan Ståhl can attest that meeting school students is fun. He has been inspiring secondary school students to study biotechnology for more than ten years.
“It is extremely rewarding to share your research with young people, who may become the researchers of the future. It's really stimulating to hear their curious questions, both about the research itself and much more. It makes me realise what a great job I have,” he says.
Vetenskapens Hus take care of the practicalities
It’s no secret that researchers have busy schedules. However, since Vetenskapens Hus handles all the practical arrangements, the commitment need not be particularly demanding
“We handle all the contacts, invite schools and organise the venue. All you as a researcher need to do is turn up with your material and your lecture. You decide how much time you can spend. It is important that you feel ‘I can do this’. You volunteer as much as you have time for,” says Anders Blomqvist.
He emphasises that pupils also appreciate meeting PhD students, who are good role models by being closer to them in age. And that Vetenskapens Hus is happy to help with the content of the lectures, for those who feel unsure of what is the right level.
”Our mission is to support you in reaching this audience. The most important thing is that you enjoy giving lectures and sharing your research. It’s when students see the spark in the eyes of the lecturers that they feel inspired. That’s when their own curiosity is awakened," says Anders Blomqvist, who has worked at Vetenskapens Hus since 2007.
Cooperation and dialogue to reach out
During the autumn, Anders Blomqvist was invited to the management team meeting at CBH, and he is more than happy to make similar visits to other schools at KTH
”To talk about Vetenskapens Hus and what we can do, and getting names and faces of those responsible – that's a good start to continued co-operation,’ he says.
Text: Åsa Karsberg