UK National Commission for UNESCO grants patronage to The Great Science Share for Schools in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the field of science education.

The Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS), a ground-breaking initiative aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and education among young learners, has been awarded the prestigious patronage of the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) in 2024.

This recognition highlights the event’s deep alignment with UNESCO’s values, cementing its position as a beacon of excellence in science education.

Patronage from the UK National Commission for UNESCO is a mark of quality, indicating an event’s contribution to advancing UNESCO’s mission of promoting education, scientific research, and cultural understanding. The GSSfS has been commended by the UKNC for its outstanding contributions in these vital areas, confirming its crucial role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.

The GSSfS is a campaign for engaging young people aged 5-14 in exploring and sharing a scientific question they are passionate about. Launched as part of the European City of Science in 2016, the campaign involves a series of activities throughout the year leading up to a large sharing event in June.

Since its inception, the GSSfS has empowered young people to ask questions, investigate, and share their findings with new audiences. The event has reached over 500,000 young people in 33 countries, sparking curiosity and inspiring a lifelong love for discovery. Through teacher training, tailored resources, and engaging events, the campaign has fostered creativity and nurtured a passion for learning in young people worldwide.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive patronage from the UK National Commission for UNESCO this year,” said Professor Lynne Bianchi from The University of Manchester. “This endorsement recognises the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making this initiative a success. With UNESCO’s support, we aim to reach even more young learners and inspire them to ask meaningful scientific questions.”

As a UKNC-patronised event, the GSSfS will uphold the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in science education. With this prestigious endorsement, the initiative plans to form new partnerships, enhance its offerings, and empower teachers, educators, pupils, and school communities worldwide to engage meaningfully with science.

Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility, commented, “The University of Manchester is already a leader in social responsibility and sustainable development. This partnership with UNESCO will help more young people see the positive impact of science in the world.”

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the UKNC, expressed delight in granting patronage to the GSSfS campaign. He highlighted the importance of education, science, and communication in UNESCO’s work and praised the initiative for promoting inquiry-based learning.

The Great Science Share for Schools expresses its gratitude to the UK National Commission for UNESCO and looks forward to continuing its mission of inspiring passion and unlocking potential through science.

For more information about The Great Science Share for Schools, please visit https://www.greatscienceshare.org/.