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With the support of the Sasakawa Foundation, Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi and Dr. Takumi Yada of the Ģ��ֱ��’s Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) research group represented Finland’s educational excellence at Science Agora 2024, Japan’s foremost science communication event. Held on October 26–27, 2024, this premier gathering of global experts explored innovative ways to connect science and society, addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Their participation was part of a broader STEAM education-themed study tour supported by the Sasakawa grant, fostering international collaboration.

A Global Dialogue on the Future of Science Communication

Science Agora 2024, organized by JST-RISTEX, provided a platform for leading researchers, educators, and policymakers to discuss the evolving role of science communication. In a session titled "The Current State of Science Communication and Challenges in Japan," discussions revolved around how science communication can better serve society in the face of global challenges like climate change and pandemics.

Dr. Denji Kobayashi, Director of JST-RISTEX, opened the event by emphasizing the need to rethink science communication’s role. Drawing on lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted the importance of fostering trust and collaboration between scientists and the public.

Keynote speaker Professor Massimiano Bucchi from the University of Trento presented insights into three major trends in science communication:

1. Public Engagement by Universities and Research Institutions: Bucchi explored whether institutional efforts prioritize authentic engagement or act as marketing tools.
2. Scientists’ Visibility Post-Pandemic: The pandemic heightened the prominence of scientists in public discourse, a trend that demands continued focus.
3. Policymakers’ Perspectives on Science Communication: A comparative analysis of the UK, Italy, and the EU highlighted science as a source of national pride (UK), identity and satisfaction (Italy), and unity (EU).

Bucchi stressed the importance of contextualizing science communication to meet audience needs, emphasizing accuracy, relatability, and scientists’ ability to engage diverse communities effectively.

Showcasing Finnish Innovations

Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi: STEAM Education and Global Responsibility

Dr. Fenyvesi captivated the audience with his exploration of Finland’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education initiatives. He demonstrated how integrating creativity and sustainability in education prepares students for an uncertain future by fostering future literacy, planetary responsibility, and global citizenship.

Drawing from his workshops in South Africa, Fenyvesi illustrated how combining mathematics and art empowered students to embed socio-political messages in their creative projects. He posed a compelling question: “Why do we learn, and how can education contribute to the well-being of humanity?”

Dr. Takumi Yada: Finnish Educational Equality

Dr. Yada highlighted Finland’s commitment to educational equity, emphasizing free education from primary school to doctoral studies and robust support for lifelong learning. He also shared Finland’s success in fostering inclusive education and professional development for educators.

A key focus of Yada’s presentation was Finland’s Researchers’ Night, which engages communities through interactive workshops and tours of cutting-edge research facilities. He emphasized how such events make science accessible and relatable, inspiring future generations to pursue scientific and creative endeavors. The 2024 event in Jyväskylä attracted 15,000 participants, showcasing how hands-on workshops and research demonstrations effectively bridge the gap between science and society.

Hiromi Yokoyama: The "Restart" of Science Communication in Japan

Dr. Hiromi Yokoyama, a professor at the University of Tokyo and moderator of the event, reflected on Science Agora 2024 as a "restart" for science communication in Japan. She emphasized the importance of aligning science communication with societal needs and fostering partnerships between researchers, educators, and policymakers. Yokoyama’s leadership throughout the event underscored her commitment to advancing science literacy and engagement.

Fenyvesi and Yada’s Sasakawa-Supported STEAM Study Tour in Japan

The Sasakawa grant enabled an extensive program of activities, allowing Fenyvesi and Yada to share Finnish educational innovations while learning from Japan’s unique approaches to science communication. Key highlights included:

• Learning Disability Conference in Kobe (October 19–20): Presentations on inclusive education practices.
• STEAM Workshops in Kyoto and Nagano (October 21–25): Hands-on sessions addressing sustainability, global challenges, and innovative problem-solving. Professor Fusegi Hisashi and Professor Kei Kano coordinated the programs.

• International Teacher Education Forum at Waseda University, Tokyo (October 23): Collaborative dialogues on integrating global frameworks into local educational contexts.
• Workshops for School Leaders and Students (October 24): Online and in-person sessions highlighting phenomenon-based learning.
• Science Agora Presentations (October 26–27): Showcasing Finnish STEAM innovations and engaging in global discussions on science communication.

Girls Unlimited Program: Empowering Young Minds Through STEAM

During their tour, Dr. Fenyvesi and Dr. Yada participated in the Girls Unlimited Program (GUP), a STEAM workshop designed to inspire young women to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The Kyoto-based program, led by Dr. Sayako Kanamori, brought together participants aged 12–20 for hands-on activities that emphasized creativity, problem-solving, and real-world applications of STEAM concepts.

Fenyvesi and Yada contributed their expertise by facilitating workshops on phenomenon-based learning, exploring themes like COVID-19 and sustainability. The event showcased the transformative power of interdisciplinary learning to build confidence, foster collaboration, and ignite curiosity.

Sasakawa Grant: Bridging Cultures and Ideas

The Sasakawa grant played a pivotal role in facilitating cross-cultural exchange between Finland and Japan. By enabling Finnish researchers to share their educational practices and learn from Japanese innovations, the grant fostered collaboration on addressing global educational and societal challenges.

Inspiring Global Change Through Education

Science Agora 2024 demonstrated the power of international collaboration in rethinking science communication and education. The contributions of Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi and Dr. Takumi Yada highlighted how Finnish STEAM initiatives can inspire global audiences to integrate creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility into education. Their participation in this prestigious event exemplified the transformative potential of education to address the pressing challenges of our time.

Read the original Japanese report on Science Portal Japan: .