From 28 to 31 May 2026, Klaipeda University, one of the EU-CONEXUS member universities, hosted the international Science on Stage Festival 2026 — one of Europe’s largest events dedicated to STEAM education. Held in Lithuania for the first time, the festival brought together teachers, education experts and innovators from more than 30 countries.
For four days, Klaipeda University became a lively European meeting point for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education. Together with visitors attending the open day, the festival welcomed around one thousand participants and guests. According to the Science on Stage Europe Board, the festival in Klaipeda was one of the best-attended in the history of the event.
More than 250 STEAM education projects were presented during the festival, showing how science can be brought closer to pupils through experimentation, creativity and hands-on learning. Participants explored topics ranging from microplastics and renewable energy models to polarisation phenomena, microalgae-based experiments and student-led research projects.
The festival also served as an important platform for international exchange. Teachers and education experts shared classroom-tested methods, discussed common challenges and developed ideas for future cooperation. The event highlighted the growing role of practical scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary learning and creativity in shaping the school of the future.
The opening of the festival was attended by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Raminta Popovienė. Their participation underlined the national importance of STEAM education, teachers’ professional development and innovation in schools.
“During these days, Klaipeda became a place where people who believe that a teacher’s inspiration can change a young person’s life came together. We are delighted that Klaipeda University was able to become a home for this European education community and contribute to the dialogue on the school of the future,” said Prof. Dr Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of Klaipeda University.
The event also reflected the importance of sustainability in education and event organisation. Single-use plastic water bottles were avoided, participants used reusable bottles, and printed materials were reduced by providing information in digital format.
For EU-CONEXUS, the festival is a strong example of how universities can help bring science closer to society by connecting researchers, teachers, pupils and international partners. Hosted by Klaipeda University, the event showed that STEAM education is not only about separate disciplines, but also about curiosity, creativity and cooperation — values that are central to preparing future generations for complex global challenges.
