LEVERS

We live in an increasingly fragmented and unequal society. Democracy is in crisis, and mistrust in science is on the rise, yet the unprecedented challenges we face, such as the climate and biodiversity crises, require greater scientific literacy and engagement across society. Education needs to provide the scientific knowledge to engender engaged and informed societies, but also to equip learners with the holistic competences to support and motivate them to become courageous thinkers and doers, actively shaping their own futures. We urgently need connected, system-wide responses that incorporate varied perspectives, are empathetic to different stakeholders’ needs and centre social justice and care. To achieve this, we need models for education that are more flexible and inclusive and advance lifelong learning to empower all citizens. LEVERS delivers Learning Ventures, a replicable model for expansive science learning through multi-stakeholder regional partnerships that collaboratively explore challenges and design science learning experiences to address local issues. In 9 Learning Venture demonstrator regions, stakeholders from formal, non-formal and informal education across education levels, community organisations, research and innovation, industry, and government, will be supported to adopt a systemic design approach to create climate justice projects offering meaningful real-world learning experiences. Capacity building and a mentoring programme will offer role models and guidance within and between regional Learning Ventures, linking R&I with education. The LEVERS Learning Framework and Field Guide will enable the partnership model to be adapted for other regions and challenges. Professional learning programmes and Open Schooling resources will enable widespread uptake from youth and adult educators. Guides for industry engagement, business models and policy recommendations will ensure transformative impact on science education in Europe into the future.