**RIF Invites Researchers to Connect with Pupils Across Cyprus**
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has announced an invitation for researchers and research organizations across Cyprus to participate in the upcoming "Researchers in Schools" programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between students and professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), fostering a deeper understanding of research and its impact on everyday life.
The programme, which debuted in the 2022–2023 school year, is designed to enhance interaction between the research community and students, as well as their teachers. By engaging pupils directly with researchers, the initiative seeks to inspire young minds to consider future careers in science, research, and innovation.
For the first time, the programme will allow research organizations to host groups of students at their facilities. This new approach will provide students with a unique opportunity to observe research environments and activities firsthand. Participating researchers will be encouraged to present their work in an accessible manner, utilizing creative and interactive demonstrations. The use of portable equipment and research tools that can be safely transported to schools is also recommended to facilitate engaging learning experiences.
The visits will be strategically organized around international observances related to the five areas of the STEAM educational approach. Science-focused visits are scheduled for November 9 to 13, 2026, coinciding with World Science Day on November 10. Following this, engineering visits will occur from March 1 to 5, 2027, with mathematics activities planned for March 15 to 19. The programme will continue with arts-related visits from April 12 to 16, and technology activities from May 17 to 21.
Once the expressions of interest from researchers have been collected, RIF will work to match researchers with schools interested in hosting them or visiting research organizations. This matching process will take into account the preferences and availability of researchers, as well as the order in which schools submit their requests. Individual arrangements are expected to be finalized approximately three to four weeks before each scheduled visit.
The initiative aims to include schools from various districts across Cyprus, ensuring participation from semi-mountainous, mountainous, and remote areas. To further support researchers, the foundation may cover part of their travel expenses and the costs associated with transporting equipment to schools, provided a request is made.
Researchers and research organizations interested in participating in the "Researchers in Schools" programme can submit their expressions of interest until 3 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This programme is part of the broader European project ‘CELEBRATE 2.0 – Two Decades of STEAM-Powered Inspiration’, which is funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe.
The RIF's initiative represents a significant step towards integrating research into the educational framework of Cyprus, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators and thinkers. By connecting students with researchers, the programme not only enhances educational experiences but also promotes a culture of inquiry and exploration in the fields of STEAM.