Engagement

Register for a science competition and travel to Kiel for the European Grand Finale!

Overview

As part of the European project Science Comes To Town, Brest, Kiel and Split invite citizens to take part in a scientific competition. Twelve teams will compete in three game-based challenges. The winning teams from Brest, Kiel and Split will travel to Kiel in December for the grand final.

The competition takes place in two main stages

Each challenge will be supervised by scientists, and the number of teams selected for the next stage will be reduced by half.

Objectives

This scientific competition aims to show how science addresses local and concrete challenges, while encouraging citizens to express their scientific knowledge by working on a variety of themes.

This format promotes curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and open discussion, creating an inclusive space where science becomes accessible to a wide audience.

The event combines different types of challenges, transforming science communication into an engaging public experience. Participants are invited to take an active role, collaborate as a team, and exchange viewpoints with researchers on topics ranging from sustainability and health to engineering, cultural heritage, and marine sciences.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to all residents of the three cities. Teams must consist of five people aged over 14, one adult and at least one team member must speak English.

No prior scientific or university experience is required.

Special attention will be given to teams that demonstrate diversity – age, gender, profession, and more.

Commitments

The ten selected teams per city commit to participating in both stages of the competition and to travelling to Kiel in the event of a win.

Application deadline

How to apply

Please submit your application using one of the following methods depending on your city of application. If you are underage, please complete the parental consent form and attach it to your application.

Visit the local websites to join the competition!

Application forms

What is mutual learning?

Mutual Learning, a Science Comes to Town initiative, is designed to bring together professionals and experts from across partner cities. These workshops create a collaborative environment where participants can exchange best practices, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to topics of common interest.

Built around the principles of peer learning and co-creation, the workshops encourage participants to bring real challenges from their own institutions and cities. Through facilitated discussions, hands-on group work, and the sharing of practical expertise, participants work together to develop ideas, identify solutions, and gain new skills that can be applied and disseminated within their local contexts.

The programme also includes participant-led sessions offering opportunities for attendees to propose topics, showcase their own expertise, and explore emerging issues with their peers. Beyond the workshops themselves, the initiative aims to foster lasting connections and support the development of long-term communities of practice across Europe.

Four key themes for 2026

Together, these workshops strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation, and support the development of impactful science engagement activities.

Key principles

Upcoming workshops

For the museums

Workshop: preparing the collections for relocation

10–12 June 2026

For the botanical gardens

Workshop: science communication in botanical gardens and plant science

27–29 May 2026

Online workshop

Online session: scientific communication

22 October 2026

Train-the-trainer: taking the Science Show to the world

As part of the initiative “Science Comes to Town”, Kiel University (CAU) is offering an international Train-the-Trainer programme designed to extend the success story of the Science Show and provide fresh impetus for science communication. The aim is to prepare committed multipliers to bring the Science Show concept to their own cities and institutions – tailoring it to local contexts and target audiences.

Participants can look forward to a practical, modular training programme in 2026. Working within an international group, they will benefit from intensive professional exchange and a ‘wealth of experience’ that has been built up in Kiel over many years and further developed within the SEA-EU Alliance.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded an official certificate as a ‘Science Show Trainer’. This not only certifies the skills acquired but also makes participants active ambassadors for dynamic science communication.

Research takes the stage

The Science Show at Kiel University brings current research to the stage – in a lively, accessible and engaging way. Young researchers share their work with a broad audience, bringing science to life outside the lecture hall.

Speakers also get the chance to build confidence and sharpen their own presentation style. They're coached by Ulf Evert and Katharine Simmons, who have spent years running practical presentation courses for students and doctoral candidates – preparing participants to communicate their research with clarity, enthusiasm and confidence on stage.

Science communication in action

More than an event – a platform for ideas, a training ground for talent, and a meeting place for science and the public.

Events in 2026

Bringing Science into the Classroom

Professional development for teachers: experience research, discover new methods, and bring science to life in the classroom.

Discover Research

Explore exciting research topics and gain insights into scientific methods and research questions.

Share Knowledge

Discover methods and approaches for communicating scientific findings in a way that is accessible, creative, and relevant to everyday classroom practice.

Discover Research

Teachers create opportunities for students to engage with science and support them in asking questions, thinking critically, and developing their own interests. In this way, more young people can be inspired to pursue science.

Upcoming workshop

Experience Science Like the Grown-Ups!

As part of Science Comes to Town 2026, the Children's University returns to Kiel (Germany) and is held for the first time in Brest (France) and Split (Croatia). The programme takes place on the same day in all three cities, offering young people an exciting opportunity to discover the world of science together across Europe. The Children's University is designed for children aged 8 to 14 and invites them to explore fascinating topics from science, technology, culture, and society. Through engaging lectures and interactive activities, researchers and professors explain complex ideas in a way that is accessible, inspiring, and fun. Just like at a real university, the lecture hall is reserved exclusively for children, giving participants the unique experience of attending a university lecture on their own.

The programme is organized locally by academic and research institutions in each city and aims to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and show young people how science helps us understand and shape the world around us.

Spring Series

Session 1 - January

Session 2 - February

Session 6 - March

Autumn Series

Session 4 - October

Session 5 - November

Session 6 - December

Join Us!

Whether you are curious about space, oceans, technology, health, history, or the future of our society, the Children's University offers a unique opportunity to meet scientists, ask questions, and experience research first-hand.

Participation is free of charge. Further information on registration, venues, and local programmes will be provided by the organizing institutions in Brest, Kiel, and Split.

Visit the local Children University websites to join the movement!