In the spirit of building bridges between science and society, a key goal of the International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG), 28 students from the International School of Geneva (Ecolint) became true "Ambassadors for Science in Society." The students were challenged to provide plans and advice on how to expand IPPOG's reach to new audiences, from the general public, to schools and teachers.
This experience improved the understanding of both students and their parents about science, and helped to lay the foundations for long-term collaboration and worldwide initiatives. The project was supported by Rotary Geneva International, whose Youth Empowerment Programme triggered the idea and whose new "Interact Club" has connected the Ecolint students to half a million other students worldwide.
Parents encouraged IPPOG to continue working with the students. Ian Smith from Ecolint and Barbora Bruant Gulejova, Strategic Development Lead of IPPOG and the challenge-setter, proposed a variety of possibilities to the students, as follow-up.
The innovation model used for this experience was designed and delivered by Entrepreneurs in Action, a UK business which provides innovation challenges for young people across the world. We worked closely with their founder Derek Browne during the design and delivery of this IPPOG innovation challenge for young students.
Watch the video of a leading student and passionate ambassadrice for science in society talking about the project.
