With the support of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the Agency for Education and Training, and partners from Europe, three-day bilateral meetings were held at the Trokut Center from January 21 to 23.
The City of Šibenik has been recognized as a STEM community and, together with the Trokut Center, forms a regional science center. This recognition confirms the City of Šibenik's long-term strategy for implementing and developing STEM education at all levels—from preschool to academic age.
The Mayor of Šibenik, Dr. Željko Burić, addressed the attendees.
In his speech, the mayor highlighted key factors in the development of the STEM community in Šibenik and how the city administration supports the scientific community, from early childhood education to integration into existing systems. He particularly emphasized the significance of the Trokut Center as part of a positive story about STEM development in the region.
In addition to culture, tourism, and entrepreneurship, Šibenik is increasingly recognized for the development of STEM education for young people.
The director of the Center for New Technologies and the Regional Science Center Trokut, Diana Mudrinić, welcomed guests from various countries participating in the RaSTEM project (https://www.trokut.eu/rastem) with an introductory speech.
The Mission of Science Centers
The purpose of science centers in Croatia, as well as in other European countries, is to promote and develop science through play and entertainment starting from an early, preschool age, using innovative learning models. Engaging education and practical examples make science more accessible to students in a less burdensome way compared to learning solely from textbooks. This approach introduces children to science in a relaxed and practical manner.
The RaSTEM Regional Science Center project is financed by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for the period 2014–2021, within the “Local Development and Poverty Reduction” program.
The goal of the bilateral meetings was to launch a national-level initiative for further promoting STEM at all levels of education and to exchange experiences about already applied educational models.
Ultimately, the aim is to establish the RaSTEM Regional Science Center after equipping teachers to implement knowledge. In Šibenik, this center is the Trokut Center for New Technologies.
Day One
The topic of the first day of the meeting was: “Regional Science Centers in the Local Context: Relationship Between Centers and Founders and Contributions to STEM Education in Local and Regional Schools.”
The discussion was opened by Diana Mudrinić, director of the Trokut Center, presenting the RaSTEM project, its significance for the development of STEM potential, and methods of implementation in Trokut.
Olgica Martinis from the Agency for Education and Training presented the results of a report and pledged further support for the work of science centers.
Tomislav Lokas, head of IT services for the City of Šibenik, spoke about the beginnings of STEM education development in the city, emphasizing its importance in encouraging young people to adopt STEM skills.
Examples of the sustainability of STEM projects in elementary schools were presented by Maja Morić Kulušić, principal of Brodarica Elementary School, and Ivana Križanec, the school’s EU project coordinator.
Kitija Kuduma and Justine Rusakova from the Liepāja Innovation Center in Latvia conducted a workshop on STEM in natural environments, showcasing practical examples used in Latvia.
Day Two
The second day of bilateral meetings began with a workshop led by Kristina Valaine and Viktorija Kozlovska from the Daugavpils Innovation Center, also in Latvia. They shared their institute’s experiences, including organizational approaches and examples of educational workshops.
The theme of the second day was: “Regional Science Centers in the Context of Advanced Science: Collaboration with Higher Education and Research Institutions.”
Examples of good practices in collaboration between the Polytechnic of Šibenik and the Trokut Center were presented by Prof. Frane Urem.
Professor Edi Luketa introduced the Entrepreneurial Academy, emphasizing the importance of developing soft skills, which are crucial but often overlooked competencies in STEM fields.
Jânis Urtâns from the Kosmos Izziņas Centrs discussed the work of space centers and the importance of collaboration in STEM development.
Day Three
The third day was dedicated to presenting the RaSTEM Fausto Vrančić Park, with participants touring educational workshops and demonstrations of activities at the Trokut Center.
The Trokut Center continues to develop educational programs to promote STEM at all levels and among all age groups. They expressed gratitude to all the guests for their participation and support in promoting the development of science centers.
Representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the Agency for Education and Training, regional science centers from Osijek, Split, and Ludbreg, as well as partners from Latvia—including the Daugavpils Innovation Center, Liepājas Izglītības pārvaldes, and Kosmos Izziņas Centrs, which focus on STEM, space, nature, and innovative methods of bringing science closer to the wider community—attended the meetings.
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