Women Science Teachers
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WST convened a session at Science Summit (UNGA81)
🌍 Cultural Heritage as a Catalyst for Science, Sustainability, Arts, Gender Equality, and Climate Action
On 16 September 2026, Women Science Teachers (WST) convened a successful online session at the Science Summit during UNGA81. Speakers from across Europe and India shared how cultural heritage can connect with education, digital technologies, sustainability and the arts.
We were honoured to hear from:
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Christine Hveding — Europeana, Netherlands
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Dr. Ping Kong — Heritage & Education gGmbH, Germany–Switzerland
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Anna-Lena Ball — Leonardo 4 Children, Belgium
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Tania Gallinaro — Venetian Cluster, Italy
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Daniela Brogna — IC Moscati, Italy
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Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur — CGC College of Engineering, India
Our thanks also go to Elif Özsoğuk from Türkiye, who moderated the session, and to everyone who joined the discussion.
The ideas and examples shared by our speakers showed how cultural heritage can inspire learning and encourage a more inclusive and sustainable future. On behalf of WST, thank you to all our speakers, our moderator, the participants and the Science Summit team for making this session such a meaningful success.
For more information💚
Women and Girls in Science: Digital Heritage Learning Model Competition 2027
Discover the heritage of women in science and bring their stories to life through digital creativity!
Women Science Teachers (WST), ENOVA Training Consultancy and DiCultHer invite teams of three students and one supervising teacher to participate in the Digital Heritage Learning Model (DHLM) Competition, celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The competition encourages students to investigate a place, object, document or story associated with women in science, explore evidence of their contributions, and share what they learn through an original digital product.
From research to digital creation
Teams will follow the eight stages of the DHLM, documenting their research, observations and learning process.
A field visit is encouraged wherever possible. If a physical visit is not feasible, teams can examine the selected place or heritage setting together through reliable digital videos and resources.
Every team must:
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Create an original digital product, such as a 3D model, AR or VR experience, coded application, GIF, video or digital exhibition.
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Present the complete learning journey and final product, through digital storytelling or another presentation format.
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Evaluate their work together, reflecting on their learning, collaboration and outcomes.
Advanced technology is not essential. What matters is a thoughtful investigation, creative digital content and clear documentation of the process. Teams should acknowledge their sources and explain any use of AI.
Prizes
The three highest-ranked projects will receive:
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First prize: €150
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Second prize: €100
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Third prize: €50
Important dates
Submission deadline: 10 January 2027
Results announced: 11 February 2027
How to apply
Read the competition guidelines and DHLM guide before preparing your submission. The supervising teacher should complete one application form per project, including an accessible link to the project report, digital product and evidence of the learning process.
Read the competition guidelines
Contact: womenscienceteachers@gmail.com
Join us in celebrating women and girls in science through cultural heritage, collaborative learning and digital creativity!
WST Invites Educators to Explore Cultural Heritage Through GIF-Making
Women Science Teachers (WST), with support from Europeana, will host an online GIF IT UP workshop on 12 October 2026, bringing together educators and cultural heritage enthusiasts for an hour of creativity and practical learning.
Open to the public, the workshop will introduce participants to GIF IT UP, the annual competition that invites people to create animated GIFs by remixing openly licensed cultural heritage materials. This year’s competition also includes a Special Prize for Teachers, offering educators an opportunity to share their creativity.
Christine Hveding from Europeana will introduce the competition and its prize categories. Daniela Brogna will then lead a practical session, guiding participants through creating their own GIFs using cultural heritage resources.
The workshop will explore how digital creativity can bring cultural heritage into educational activities, helping teachers discover new ways to engage learners with historical images, artworks and collections.
Join Us
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Time: 19:00–20:00 Brussels time (CEST)
Location: Online
Organiser: Women Science Teachers (WST) & ENOVA Training Consultancy
Supporting organisation: Europeana
Who can attend: Teachers, educators, students and anyone interested in cultural heritage and digital creativity.
Join us to discover GIF IT UP, develop your digital skills and give cultural heritage a new life through animation!
WST Invites Educators to Explore Cultural Heritage Through GIF-Making
Women Science Teachers (WST), with support from Europeana, will host an online GIF IT UP workshop on 12 October 2026, bringing together educators and cultural heritage enthusiasts for an hour of creativity and practical learning.
Open to the public, the workshop will introduce participants to GIF IT UP, the annual competition that invites people to create animated GIFs by remixing openly licensed cultural heritage materials. This year’s competition also includes a Special Prize for Teachers, offering educators an opportunity to share their creativity.
Christine Hveding from Europeana will introduce the competition and its prize categories. Daniela Brogna will then lead a practical session, guiding participants through creating their own GIFs using cultural heritage resources.
The workshop will explore how digital creativity can bring cultural heritage into educational activities, helping teachers discover new ways to engage learners with historical images, artworks and collections.
Join Us
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Time: 19:00–20:00 Brussels time (CEST)
Location: Online
Organiser: Women Science Teachers (WST) & ENOVA Training Consultancy
Supporting organisation: Europeana
Who can attend: Teachers, educators, students and anyone interested in cultural heritage and digital creativity.
Join us to discover GIF IT UP, develop your digital skills and give cultural heritage a new life through animation!
WORLD OZON E DAY
WST Supports World Ozone Day 2026 Celebrations in India and Türkiye
Women Science Teachers (WST) was proud to support the World Ozone Day 2026 celebration organised by the Nuclear Science Club, Department of Applied Sciences, at CGC College of Engineering in Landran, Mohali, India in 25 th September2026.
Held under the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” the event brought students, teachers, academics and experts together to explore ozone protection, atmospheric science and sustainable cooling. Dr. Saurav Kumar, Scientist ‘E’ at CSIR-CSIO Chandigarh, shared his expertise, while students took part in a quiz, rangoli, PowerPoint presentations, speeches and poster making.
WST Ambassador Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur helped bring WST into this collaboration. We thank her, CGC College of Engineering, the Nuclear Science Club, the Institution’s Innovation Council and Dr. Saurav Kumar for their contributions.
We also extend our thanks to the students in India and Türkiye who celebrated World Ozone Day, and to the teachers and academics who supported their participation. Seeing young people learn, create and speak up for the environment reminds us why international educational collaboration matters.
WST looks forward to working with our partners on future projects that inspire students to care for our planet. 🌍💚
Welcome
🏛️ The Digital Heritage Learning Model (DHLM)
Women Science Teachers (WST) has developed the Digital Heritage Learning Model (DHLM), an educational framework that guides students through planning, historical research, field observation, digital content production, multimodal storytelling, evaluation and dissemination.
The pilot project demonstrating the application of this model is Echoes of the Hippodrome, developed within the Built with Bits programme. Combining historical research, original footage from Sultanahmet Square, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, narration and digital storytelling, students reimagined the Hippodrome of Constantinople and historical figures such as Theodora and Justinian for 21st-century audiences.
The project connects Anatolia’s multilayered cultural heritage with its Byzantine legacy, showing how emerging technologies can help young people investigate, interpret and communicate history in creative and responsible ways.
WST continues to support student-led projects that connect cultural heritage with science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Our latest student project, Echoes of the Hippodrome, demonstrates how young people can move beyond being passive observers of heritage and become active researchers, creators and digital storytellers. The learning model is also published in Culture Digitali journal.
Women Science Teachers (WST) was honoured to be represented at the OECD Forum on Gender Equality 2026 in Paris, an important international platform bringing together global leaders, policymakers and experts to examine how artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation can advance gender equality without leaving women and girls behind.
Representing WST, founder and coordinator Hatice Kırmacı exchanged ideas with Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity; Caterina Bolognese, Head of the Gender Equality Division at the Council of Europe; Bengt Nilsson, Deputy Director at Sweden’s Ministry of Employment; and other inspiring experts working at the heart of European gender equality policies.
These conversations opened new perspectives for future collaboration and reaffirmed the importance of bringing the experiences of women educators, science teachers and girls in STEM into international policy discussions.
Participation in the Forum also reflected the contribution of the DO Impact programme to WST’s institutional development. The knowledge, networks and strategic perspective gained through this programme have strengthened WST’s capacity to position its work more confidently and professionally at the European level.
We returned from Paris and Brussels with new connections, ideas and a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality in the digital age.
For Women Science Teachers, participation is not only about being present in the room—it is about ensuring that the voices of women teachers and girls in science are brought into the room. 🌍💙
WST was at Gender Equality Forum in Paris organised by OECD and DO Impact Project Conference in Brussels
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WOMEN SCIENCE TEACHERS is a Champion
Women Science Teachers is proud to announce that our international STEAM Hackathon has been featured and recognized as a best practice on the Women Science Teachers: Empowering Women Educators and Girls through Digital & STEAM Practices – WiDigital platform(2026). This recognition comes as part of the WiD (Women in Digital) initiative, which highlights impactful practices that increase the engagement of women educators and girls in digital and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning.
The WiDigital platform showcases innovative approaches that promote digital skills development, inclusive STEAM education, and gender-balanced participation in science and technology fields. Our practice, “Sky Patterns: Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge,” was developed through international collaboration and embodies these aims by creatively linking astronomy, mathematics, art, digital tools, and cultural heritage to STEAM education. For more information:
We are at the ECSA Newsletter!!!
We are proud to share that three more of our works, organised as an official partner of the STEM Discovery Campaign, have been featured in the April newsletter of the European Citizen Science Association!
This recognition highlights our continuous efforts to empower teachers and students through STEM, citizen science, and innovative learning approaches.
Our featured works reflect:
• The integration of science and education
• A strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement
• The impactful role of women in science education
Being part of the ECSA community is a meaningful step in strengthening collaboration across Europe and beyond.
We sincerely thank the European Citizen Science Association for this opportunity and recognition.
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Our projects are in Citizen Science Light house (European Citizen Science Association's newslettter)
Date : 11 .02. 2026 - ONLINE
We are happy to share great news!
Two of our projects have been featured in the February 2026 calendar prepared by the Citizen Science Lighthouse:
📌 Analysis of Packaged Foods on AI
This project examines packaged foods using AI-supported analysis methods and brings together data literacy and conscious consumption. It was also presented at the “Citizen Science for Health” Conference at ETH Zurich and at the EDUsion Conference.
📌 Sky Patterns – Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge (Iznik & Salerno)
An international STEAM hackathon project involving three schools, inspired by the astronomical studies of Hipparchus, in collaboration with schools in Iznik and Salerno. Students worked with historical data and created visualizations and 3D models.
We are grateful to all the teachers and students who contributed to these impactful projects. 🌟 For more information
🚀 WOMEN SCIENCE TEACHERS is one of the partners of SDC 26
Organised by European Schoolnet& Scientix
Date : 01.02. 2026 - 30.04.2026 -- ONLINE&HYBRID
📣 STEM Discovery Campaign 2026 – Join with WST!
Women Science Teachers (WST) has been a partner of the STEM Discovery Campaign (SDC), organized by European Schoolnet, since 2020. This year’s campaign runs from February 1 to April 30.
SDC is an international initiative that invites teachers, students, and institutions to share and showcase their STEM activities, projects, and workshops.
As WST, we invite all educators and young people who support STEM education to take part in the campaign. 🌍🔬 For more information :
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“The project has been recognized and published by international platforms such as European Space Agency and ESERO Italy and Women in Digital ”
The “Sky Patterns: Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge – Iznik & Salerno” international STEM hackathon, organized by Women Science Teachers, has gained strong international visibility and recognition across Europe. Inspired by the scientific legacy of Hipparchus, the project presents an innovative STEAM approach that connects astronomy, mathematics, and cultural heritage.
The project has been published on ESERO Italy, a platform supported by the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, significantly increasing its visibility. It has also been featured in the official newsletter of the European Citizen Science Association, highlighting its contribution to citizen science and STEM education at the European level.
In addition, the hackathon has been recognized with an award on the WiDigital platform, further confirming the impact and innovation of the project. These achievements demonstrate the project’s growing influence within international scientific and educational networks.
We are a huge family of 50 people from 20 different countries...THANK YOU everyone....
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SCIENCE SUMMIT 2025 (UNGA 80)
WST was one of the partners of "Science Summit 2025".
✨ We explored the role of AI in our session " AI in Education, Technology, Astronomy, and Science: The Role of Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Goals " at 'Sciencesummit2025 .
From 5 different countries and 5 unique disciplines, our distinguished speakers shared inspiring perspectives on how AI is shaping education and reimagining the future of learning:
Dr. Deger Ayata, PhD (Türkiye) – "The Age of Agentic AI: Intelligence That Senses, Decides, and Amplifies Human Potential".
Asst. Prof. Dr. Igor Pesek (Slovenia) – "Beyond the Hype : Rethinking Knowledge, Teaching, and in the Age of AI",
Bianca Bisiach ( Italy) " How AI can Reshape Education, Science, Society?",
Dr. Rosa Doran ( Portugal) – " Earth Belongs to Everyone!" ,
Dr. Iro Koliakou (Greece) – " Breaking the Barriers in The AI Era: Advancing Gender Equality in STEAM Education " .
💡 With participants joining from across the globe, the session turned into a rich exchange of knowledge, ideas, and visions for the future.
🙏 A heartfelt thank you to our speakers for their valuable contributions and to our international audience for their active participation.
🚀 Together, we are paving the way for an education system empowered by AI — more inclusive, innovative, and future-oriented. For more information:
Date : 9-26.09.2025 Online- New York City
Date : 28-30.05. 2025
Location : Burgos University - SPAIN
WOMEN SCIENCE TEACHERS wat at CITIZEN SCIENCE 4 HELATH CONFERENCE
We had the pleasure of participating in the Citizen Science 4 Health Conference in ETH Zürich and presenting our project “Health Care”, focused on " Preventetive Medicine".
Using artificial intelligence and Pyton-based coding, we developed an application that helps people understand the potential health effects of packaged foods according to different age groups — enabling them to make healthier choices in advance.
We proudly presented our project through a poster session at ETH Zürich, sharing our vision of how AI can support a healthier future for all. For more information :
Date : 5-6.11.2025 Zurich- Switzerland
"Women Science Teacher" was at the “Do Impact – Diesis Digital Day: Strengthening Digital Resilience in the Proximity and Social Economy Sector”
Women Science Teachers had an opportunity to participate in the “Do Impact – Diesis Digital Day: Strengthening Digital Resilience in the Proximity and Social Economy Sector” held in Brussels on 25 November 2025.
It was a valuable experience for us to share our insights and backgrounds. It was also became the first international event for our newly established ENOVA_TrainingConsultancy .
The event brought together inspiring discussions on digital transformation, social economy, and community impact across Europe, and provided meaningful opportunities for new collaborations.
Participation of the "Women Science Teacher" in the International Congress on STEAM Educational Experiences
Date : 30.05.2025
Hybrid (Burgos-Spain)
The "Women Science Teacher" was represented at " II. The International Congress on STEAM Educational Experiences", hosted by the University of Burgos. Within the scope of the congress, the project team coordinated a thematic session entitled "Gender Equality in Science Education", which addressed the structural and pedagogical dimensions of gender equity in science teaching.The session featured the presentation of four projects from three different countries, each illustrating diverse approaches to integrating gender-sensitive practices into science education. Discussions focused on the critical role of science teachers in fostering inclusive learning environments and in challenging gender stereotypes within STEM disciplines.This academic exchange not only facilitated international collaboration but also contributed to the broader discourse on equity and inclusion in STEAM education. The session underscored the importance of teacher engagement in advancing gender-responsive educational strategies and policies.
WST was "Digital Creativity Lab"
Date : 30.05.2025
Location- Online
The project ‘Digital Traces of Anatolia’, carried out under the mentorship of WST, was selected as a finalist in The Digital Creativity Lab competition organised by Europeana , EGInA – European Grants International Academy and CRHACK LAB FOLIGNO 4D was invited to be exhibited at Spello Digital Fest (Italy).
WST is one of the partners of the "2025 STEM Discovery Campaign" organised by European Schoolnet
As one of the partner organisations of STEM Discovery Campaign (Organised by Scientix & European Schoolnet), Women Science Teachers has organised events for this great journey.
Are you ready to learn about our activities?
Date : 01.02.2025- 30.04.2025
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WST was at the " Social Hackathon Umbria 2025"
Date : 3-6. 07. 2025 Spello - ITALY
Organized by the Europeana Organization, “Digital Traces of Anatolia” is one of the finalists of the “Digital Creativity Lab” competition. Coordinated by WST, it is a project that aims to transfer Anatolia's cultural heritage to the digital environment. We introduced this project to participants at the “Social Hackathon Umbria2025” in the city of Spello. Over the course of three days, participants not only received training from highly valued mentors but also witnessed young people from 25 countries coming together to form strong friendships. For more information:
🚀 TECH_COURSE for STEAM Project Development Program
Date : 02 .03. 2026 - 26.06.2026 -- ONLINE
🚀 Future Tech STEAM Program Is Starting!
👩💻👨💻 Ages 7–18 | No prior coding experience required
A project-based, hands-on STEAM experience for children and young learners! Participants will build real projects, create digital portfolios, and publish their work online.
📚 Program includes: ✅ Python & Coding ✅ AI Tools ✅ AR/VR ✅ 3D Design
✅ Websites, ✅ STEAM & AgriTech Projects, ✅ Digital Posters
🌍 Multilingual instruction: English, Spanish, Turkish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian
🗓 Dates: 2 March – 26 June 2026
⏱ Duration: 51 hours (including mentoring + technical support)
💻 Format: Hybrid + Online
🎓 Certificate of completion provided
⚠️ Limited seats available
For pre-registration: https://forms.gle/7fYo5uf8gUmTyBqa8 or QR Code:
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WST was in the "STEM in the Service of Entrepreneurship – Creating Natural and Environmentally Friendly Products"
Date : 05 .06. 2025
Location : Ivanec- CROTIA
As part of a professional gathering, a presentation was held on the topic “STEM in the Service of Entrepreneurship – Creating Natural and Eco-Friendly Products,” based on a school project implemented at Ivana Kukuljevića Sakcinskog Primary School, Ivanec, Croatia.
The presentation was delivered by Melita Brodar, chemistry teacher, with the goal of showcasing how project-based activities can connect chemistry curriculum content, develop entrepreneurial competencies among students, and actively involve the school cooperative as a real and practical context for school entrepreneurship.
As part of the project, students created natural and environmentally friendly products – soaps, lip balms, scented candles, and bath bombs. Working in teams, they explored product composition, packaging, promotion, and pricing. Through this process, they went through all the essential entrepreneurial steps, and the final products were presented and sold within the framework of the school cooperative.
"WST" was at "Preserve, Protect, Reuse 2025 "Conference
Organised by EUROPEANA in Poland
Date : 12-13.06.2025 Warsaw - Poland
WST participated in the "Preserve Protect Reuse Conference 2025" organized by Europeana Organisation as one of the guests of Europeana Organisation.
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ZERO WASTE at schools
Date : 03 .06. 2025
Location : Merlara- ITALY
Women Science Teachers also helps students develop environmental awareness, protect the environment, and gain a better future. To this end, it fully embraces the ‘Zero Waste’ philosophy and carries out related activities.
The most recent of these initiatives was the ‘Collect, Imagine, Create’ event organised by WST ambassador Mariapia Borghesan. Students transformed the items they had collected into amazing creations within two hours.
"Women Science Teacher" was at TETZ
Date : 20-22.06.2025 Istanbul- Türkiye
TETZ 2025, Turkey Education Technologies Summit, hosted by the Ministry of National Education, was held in Istanbul on 20-22 June 2025.
The ‘Women Science Teachers’ portal was introduced by Arzu Çalık Seydim at TETZWORLSTALKS.
Organised under the leadership of the Ministry of National Education, with contributions from the Private Schools Association, TÜBİTAK, technology parks and universities, #TETZ2025 aimed to reflect Turkey's commitment to education technologies and its global vision.