News and outreach

The ‘Including Science’ project brings scientific knowledge to vulnerable groups with remarkable success

The initiative developed by the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology has been supported by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology - Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.

The project “Including in Science,” an initiative of the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD) — a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Pablo de Olavide University (UPO), and the Regional Government of Andalusia — concludes after a year of activities with a highly positive assessment. This initiative has been funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), as part of its program of grants to promote scientific, technological, and innovation culture.



During the project, scientific workshops and guided tours focused on developmental biology were held with the aim of bringing scientific knowledge to vulnerable groups. More than 360 people participated in these activities, which provided an opportunity to explain key concepts such as DNA and the life cycle of model organisms studied in CABD research.

Among the participating groups are minors from protection centers in collaboration with the NGOs 'Crecer con Futuro' and 'Abrázame'; young people of Roma ethnicity belonging to the Escuela de Verano de la 'Asociación Gitana Vencedores' (Summer School of the Vencedores Roma Association); and people over 55 from Seville, through the Aula de Mayores (Senior Citizens' Classroom) of the Pablo de Olavide University.

Anonymous surveys conducted reflect a very positive assessment of the activities: 97% of participants expressed interest in repeating the experience. Among the comments received, the educational quality and clarity in the transmission of scientific knowledge stand out. In addition, the value of this type of initiative in raising social awareness of the importance of basic science and the work carried out in national research centers has been highlighted.

The team responsible was made up of CABD research staff with extensive experience in scientific dissemination. The results obtained confirm the impact and relevance of the project, which was presented to great acclaim at the meeting of CSIC communicators and disseminators in Andalusia, held last November.

In addition, ‘Including in Science’ was awarded first prize in the first edition of the CABD – Fundación Biomol Outreach Awards, presented by a jury made up of members of the CSIC, UPO, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Fundación Descubre.

The conclusion of the project leaves the door open for future editions, with the aim of continuing to bring science to those who need it most and show the greatest enthusiasm for learning.

This press release was made in collaboration with the Unit of Communications of the UPO and the Communications area from CSIC Andalucía.