Space explained
ESA School Days 2025-2026 Inspire Italian Students in STEM
Among its most significant initiatives, the ESA School Days represent a crucial annual appointment aimed at connecting students with the world of research.
In brief
The ESA School Days are annual events in Frascati that inspire thousands of Italian students in STEM, featuring hands-on activities about space exploration and environmental protection, organized in collaboration with ESERO Italy and the Italian Space Agency.
Key points
- The ESA School Days are an annual event aimed at inspiring young people in STEM disciplines.
- The 2025 and 2026 editions were held at ESRIN, the ESA Centre for Earth Observation in Frascati.
- In 2025, the event welcomed nearly 1,400 students from 35 Italian schools.
- The program includes presentations on launchers like Ariane 6 and workshops on meteorites and asteroids.
- The initiative also raises awareness about scientific research, environmental protection, and climate change.
- The events are carried out with contributions from ESERO Italy and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
The European Space Agency (ESA) is constantly committed to stimulating young people’s interest in scientific and space exploration. Among its most significant initiatives, the ESA School Days represent a crucial annual appointment aimed at connecting students with the world of research. These events are hosted at ESRIN, the ESA Centre for Earth Observation in Frascati, Italy. They welcome thousands of young minds from across the country each year. Their goal is to ignite a passion for STEM subjects, and the ESA School program plays a central role in that mission.
An Annual ESA School Event for Scientific Education
The 2025 edition of the ESA School Days welcomed almost 1,400 young students. They came from 35 different schools across Italy. The event took place from 7 to 11 April. The event demonstrated a well-defined structure. The first three days were dedicated to primary school students in fourth and fifth grades. The final two days focused on secondary school students. This organization allows activities to be tailored to different age groups, ensuring more effective engagement. The 2026 edition, held from 13 to 17 April, continued this tradition, also welcoming students from all over Italy.
During these dedicated weeks, participants took part in a rich program of presentations and interactive workshops. They delved into the space activities carried out at the ESA facility. The initiative aims to inspire and involve the next generation of STEM students by sharing fundamental knowledge about space and the role of the European Space Agency. Both editions provided a practical and immersive experience, essential for understanding complex scientific topics.
Exploring the Universe and Protecting the Planet
The activities offered during the ESA School Days are designed to provide a comprehensive view of ESA’s work. The 2026 edition, for example, included specific sessions dedicated to European launchers, such as Ariane 6 and Vega C, and the future reusable vehicle Space Rider. These presentations offered direct insights into the technologies that enable access to space. Young people took part in model rocket launch demonstrations. They also participated in workshops on meteorites and asteroids. They got hands-on exposure to the fundamental elements of space exploration.
Guided visits to the Earth Observation Multimedia Centre allowed students to understand how ESA studies our planet.
This aspect is crucial for raising participants’ awareness of issues such as environmental protection and climate change, objectives explicitly mentioned among those of the event. The practical approach and direct experiences are fundamental. In 2025 presentations and workshops on space activities were offered, turning curiosity into a concrete interest in scientific research.
Collaborations for the Future of Scientific Research
The success of the ESA School Days is the result of strategic collaboration between different entities. Both the 2025 and 2026 editions benefited from the contribution of ESERO Italy and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). This synergy highlights a joint national commitment to promoting scientific and technological culture among young people. The shared goal is clear: to foster curiosity, teamwork, and a lasting interest in STEM subjects.
Through these partnerships, the initiative does not limit itself to informing, but actively seeks to inspire, making career opportunities in the space and scientific sectors tangible. Raising awareness among younger generations about scientific research and its implications for society and the environment remains a pillar of these events. The ESA School Days demonstrate a constant commitment. This commitment opens new perspectives for future scientists and engineers and ensures a continuous flow of talent into sectors vital for progress.
Sources: