The future of innovation is female. So says the leaders of the FabConnectHer project, a new project aimed at addressing the gender gap in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fields. Funded under the Erasmus+ Key Action 2: Partnerships for Cooperation, Irish partners Momentum and Creative Spark who opened their Enterprise FabLab in 2023, join European partners to develop innovative education pathways, mentorship and leverage the unique capabilities of Fab Labs to encourage women and girls to explore, engage, and excel in STEAM fields.
The first transnational meeting
The project’s first transnational meeting was held in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands at the end of 2023. This event set the stage for effective collaboration and strategy development among partners (see consortium below). The meeting was packed with enthusiastic exchanges, with partners sharing insights and strategies to foster women’s participation in STEAM. A key feature of the event was the tour of D’Lab, offering a glimpse into the creative and technological environments that FabConnectHer aims to use throughout Europe. The discussions and activities over these two days laid the groundwork for what promises to be a transformative and impactful project.
Looking ahead: what to expect from the FabConnectHer Project
The FabConnectHer project will develop a range of impactful materials. As the project progresses, expect engaging learning pathways designed specifically to empower girls and women in STEAM fields and comprehensive mentorship programs. Additionally, the project will develop a digital platform, fostering a community for continuous learning and knowledge exchange. Participants can look forward to interactive workshops, transnational collaboration events, and innovative challenges that will not only enhance their learning experience but also actively contribute to reducing the gender gap in STEAM. Keep an eye out for these exciting developments as FabConnectHer champions female participation and success in STEAM education and careers.
Consortium:
- Stichting Firda – D’Lab (NL) nl
- Learning Hub Friesland (NL) Learning Hub Friesland – bringing Europe and Friesland closer
- Momentum (IR) Momentum: Education & Innovation in Ireland and Europe (momentumconsulting.ie)
- Creative Spark Limited – the Enterprise Lab (IR) Creative Spark | Home Page
- Fundación Telice Magnetic Anomaly – Fab Lab León (SP) Fab Lab León | Un espacio de【Fabricación Digital】para todos (fablableon.org)
- Tinker City Associação – VIVA Lab (PO) VIVA Lab | A Creative Hub dedicated to Education, Design & Innovation | Porto (vivalabporto.com)
- Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti – Fab Lab Reykjavik (ICE) FAB LAB | Fab Lab Reykjavík (flr.is)
Associated partner:
- Edinburgh College (SCT) Welcome to Edinburgh College | Edinburgh College