Zaragoza, Spain, has taken the spotlight as it gears up for the first National STEAM Education Congress, drawing considerable attention and participation from across the country. The event, organized by the Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza, is set to be the largest of its kind ever held at the Etopia Center, with currently over 2,500 attendees.
The congres, which kicked off today, operates under the theme 'Leading the Future' and has opened its doors to participants eager to explore the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) methodologies. Mayor Natalia Chueca emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this initiative, stating, "It was the first time the education sector was convened to deepen, disseminate, and lay the foundations of how STEAM methodology can be applied in our daily lives." Her words underline the innovative shift this congress aims to achieve.
With registrations still active and the event running until Saturday, organizers have ensured accessibility, offering both online and on-site participation options. Chueca acknowledged the interest this event has stirred across Spain, exceeding their initial expectations and showing the strong societal push for updated educational practices.
This free event features 80 activities including more than 30 prominent speakers and over 100 interactive workshops dedicated to STEAM subjects. Among the day's highlights is the participation of Olympic badminton champion and 2024 Princess of Asturias Award winner, Carolina Marín, renowned host Jordi Cruz from 'Art Attack', the energetic team behind 'El Hormiguero', and popular science communicator, Doctor Fisión.
The congress is not just another educational event; it aims to reinforce Zaragoza’s developing status as a hub for technological innovation. Chueca noted, "Zaragoza is consolidado como polo de atracción de grandes multinacionales tecnológicas" — showcasing the city’s appeal to major tech companies, which will require professionals equipped with flexible and creative skills to address future workforce demands.
Participants can explore various activities, which they select via the official congress website, www.congresosteam.com, fostering proactive engagement and allowing attendees to tailor their experience. The flow of attendees between multiple spaces highlights the dynamic nature of this event, catering to diverse interests within the STEAM fields.
All sessions are being streamed live, widening the accessibility of talks and workshops beyond the physical attendees, ensuring even more people can benefit from the insights shared at this congress.
At the conclusion of the congress, awards will be distributed to recognize outstanding contributors within the STEAM community — including accolades for a distinguished company, educator, school, association, and student. Chueca aims for this event to set precedents for future congresses, aspiring for the STEAM methodology to be forever linked with Zaragoza as it continues to evolve as a model for innovative education.
Alberto J. Schuhmacher, PhD in Molecular Biology, will summarize the findings and discussions of the congress, compiling significant points and recommendations for all involved educators and institutions. His work will offer valuable resources aimed at guiding the future integration of STEAM methodologies within classrooms and beyond.
With the strong commitment from the Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza and the collaboration of 30 partner organizations, including tech giants and educational institutions, this first National STEAM Education Congress stands out as not only a pivotal moment for educational reform but also as a defining feature of Zaragoza’s educational and technological ecosystem.
"I aspire for this to be the first of many congresses and for the STEAM methodology to always be linked to the name Zaragoza," concluded the Mayor, leaving attendees and viewers alike with hope for the future of education and the transformative power of STEAM initiatives.