A group of 11 maths and science teachers and education officials from Malta joined over 600 participants at the second Scientix Conference held in Brussels, Belgium, where they discussed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education policy, practice, research and innovation.
The three-day conference enabled the Maltese participants to share good practices and discuss challenges related to Stem subjects with colleagues in Europe.
Due to European demographic trends, many experienced scientists, technicians and researchers are now approaching retirement age. Also, the teaching profession in Europe is an ageing profession with one third of teachers aged over 50.
Replacing these key workers requires the development of a scientific culture that challenges stereotypes around science and targets an increase in interest in Stem.