Native Scientists Inclusive Science Education at PAERI’26

The Public Awareness and Engagement with Research Infrastructures (PAERI) conference is a specialized international event for communication, outreach, and public relations professionals. 

Held at the European XFEL in Hamburg on 18-20 March 2026, the conference reflected on the theme Navigating Science Communication in a Shifting Landscape. During the event, Native Scientists Co-director, Joana Bordalo, shared how Native Scientists’ science education interventions can help reshape public engagement for children.

Joana led a hands-on workshop titled “How science engagement centred on children can promote equity and diversity”, designed for practitioners looking for practical ways to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion  into their science engagement activities.

The workshop was organised in two complementary parts. The first focused on practical tools offering participants strategies to design more inclusive initiatives to produce more equitable public engagement initiatives. The discussion addressed key elements such as the importance of representation and role models, cultural sensitivity, gender considerations and the importance of language. The second part of the workshop showcased how Native Scientists embrace these methodologies in its educational programmes. Joana introduced the organisation’s core approaches, including the Science and Heritage Language Integrated Learning (SHLIL), the Science Capital Teaching Approach (SCTA), and the concept of Circular Education. These methodologies complement school curricula while creating meaningful learning experiences that promote scientific literacy, encourage multilingualism, and support children in developing a healthy sense of identity.Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in discussions where they shared challenges, ideas, and experiences from their own practice. 

The collaborative exchange encouraged reflection on how inclusive science engagement can be strengthened across different communities and contexts. The workshops provided participants with concrete approaches to developing initiatives programmes that are culturally aware and designed for the needs of diverse communities.

During the event, participants also explored how Native Scientists’ approach moves beyond memorisation-based learning by promoting hands-on, participatory experiences. 

Strengthening connections in the international science engagement landscape

Participating in PAERI’26 provided an opportunity for Native Scientists to contribute to international discussions on equity, inclusion, and the future of public engagement with science.

By sharing its methodologies and evidence-based practices, the organisation joined other practitioners working to transform how science engagement reaches communities. The conference also created opportunities to exchange knowledge, build collaborations, and reflect on how science communication can become more inclusive and responsive to diverse societies across Europe.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.

About PAERI

The Public Awareness and Engagement with Research Infrastructures (PAERI) Working Group was established to collect requirements and best practices in the areas of public relation, communication, and public awareness from the member infrastructures.