The EVC Magazine Autumn/Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 24
Images: Maximilien Brice/CERN
Inspiring a future generation
THROUGH SCIENCE
Florence Thompson, Science Communicator at CERN explains how bringing
young people closer to science can open their eyes to a future of possibilities.
I
n 2024, CERN is celebrating 70 years of pushing the boundaries of science. Few of its founding members would
have imagined that in decades to come, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research would be a popular
destination for school groups.
Although best known for being the home of the world’s
largest and most powerful particle accelerator and
birthplace of the World Wide Web, research at CERN
has also led to important discoveries in the world of
particle physics and beyond, including in healthcare,
aerospace and digital technologies.
Where better to teach and inspire young people about
the wonders of science?
Inspiring the next generation to explore a
career in science and technology
One of the core aims of CERN’s science engagement
programme is to ‘inspire the next generation to explore
a career in science and technology’. Like other science
education venues, CERN recognises the importance
of interactions with science and scientists in driving
engagement with, and trust in, science.
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Students' perception of
scientists changed from
'nerdy' to'approachable'
Research shows that meeting scientists has a
positive impact on students’ perception of them,
changing from ‘boring’ and ‘nerdy’ to ‘normal’ and
‘approachable’; it also helps them gain a broader
understanding of the diversity of careers in science
(Woods-Townsend et al., 2015).
Even short discussions with scientists about their
everyday life can increase students’ career aspirations
(Fadigan & Hammrich, 2004).
Contact the editor for details of the research studies used in this article
