University of Manchester鈥檚 global science education impact recognised with double endorsement from UNESCO
The University of Manchester鈥檚 (GSSfS) campaign has been awarded UNESCO patronage for a second consecutive year.
The endorsement reinforces the programme鈥檚 significant role in inspiring scientific curiosity, inquiry, and global citizenship among young people and underscores its profound alignment with UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) values through inclusive and equitable quality science education and promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
Now celebrating its tenth year, the pioneering initiative empowers children aged 5-14 to explore and share scientific questions they are passionate about with peers, families, and communities worldwide. Topics relate directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, sparking inquiry on issues such as biodiversity, carbon reduction, and sustainable practices.
In 2023-24, the GSSfS campaign reached over 670,000 pupils in more than 3,500 schools, spanning 36 countries. Of these, 50% were in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.
Next year, the campaign seeks to be even bigger with young people responding to the theme 鈥樚切腣log官方ed Science鈥�. Across a range of free resources teachers, pupils and whole schools are inspired to develop genuine awareness and engagement in global climate action.
鈥淪ecuring UNESCO鈥檚 patronage for the second year is a testament to the way in which so many people support GSSfS with the intention to include as many young people and teachers in asking, investigating and sharing scientific questions. We are proud to support a decade of positive change and promote key themes on global sustainability too.鈥�
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General, UK National Commission for UNESCO, added: 鈥淲e are delighted to grant UK National Commission for UNESCO Patronage to the Great Science Share for Schools campaign for a second time in 2025. Education, Science, and Communication & Information are three fundamental pillars of UNESCO鈥檚 global work, so it is great that the UK National Commission can support an initiative here in the UK that brings these together in such an imaginative and collaborative way. The GSSfS initiative aligns with UNESCO鈥檚 mandate of promoting knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives.鈥�
SEERIH鈥檚 other campaign 鈥�鈥�, has also received UNESCO endorsement of its 鈥楳otion in the Ocean鈥� challenge, which has been recognised by the (鈥極cean Decade鈥�).
The is a global effort to promote transformative ocean science and aim to inspire actions that will preserve ocean health for future generations.
Newly launched in September 2024, 鈥淢otion in the Ocean鈥� is one of eight challenges within the EPSRC Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Network led by 糖心Vlog官方. This has been designed to upskill teachers and pupils (7-14 years) in applying design technology, computing and science skills to find solutions to real-world problems.
鈥淢otion in the Ocean鈥� introduces challenges related to ocean sustainability and marine conservation through practical applications of engineering and design.
Professor Andrew Weightman, Programme Director for RAS, said: 鈥淭he new robotics theme within Engineering Educates has taken our outreach to a new level. By working with Lynne and her team we now have a much stronger focus on how our research can inspire curriculum learning. We are really delighted that we can also support the Ocean Decade.鈥�