Nomadic city lab

How can we create sustainable living spaces together with young people? Within this STEM partnership, we explore how to provide young people in vulnerable situations with opportunities to develop STEM skills in an inspiring learning environment connected to real places and current challenges.

In short

In the STEM partnership 'Nomadic city lab', Arteveldehogeschool (Vrijplaats) together with Ekoli and Dokano investigate how young people (14 years and older) can be participatively involved in STEM trajectories linked to real places and current challenges, such as sustainability goals (SDGs). We focus on young people from vulnerable situations, who often have less access to STEM activities. Through a mobile city lab, we offer them the opportunity to develop STEM skills and discover their talents in an inspiring learning environment.

Need and relevance

The need for young people with STEM skills is great in Flanders, where we remain below the European average. For vulnerable youth, STEM pathways are often difficult to access due to barriers such as limited resources and role models. This leads to missed opportunities, not only for them, but also for society. By engaging these young people in practical, real-life STEM projects, we can inspire and empower them, with a positive impact on their future prospects and society.

From approach to impact

We work with the design thinking methodology, in which young people search for solutions to concrete urban issues (e.g. water management) together with experts and local partners. A mobile city lab allows us to respond flexibly to different locations and themes. This hands-on learning strengthens their self-confidence and commitment to STEM. We are also developing training and tools for facilitators so that they can better support young people. The project thus provides a model for inclusive, impactful STEM pathways that can be emulated within Flanders.

Our partners

Toolkit

Ready to get started with the Nomadic City Lab yourself? The toolkit offers practical templates, worksheets, and research bundles that guide you step by step through the design and research process.

Download the toolkit (Dutch)