One of the most radical changes to be undertaken by universities in recent years has been the development of the concept of a Children’s University. The aim of the Children’s University is to improve and enhance contact to the public at large and to young people in particular. In this regard a number of academic and scientific events have been organised at universities. The primary aim here is to undo the reservations young people may have concerning scientific and academic issues at large. The long-term aim is to awaken the interest and enthusiasm of children and young adults in same.
In the meantime, more than 100 European universities and institutions have initiated such events. The rapid growth of such, has demonstrated the urgent need to develop a European platform for sharing and networking experiences and information in general.
www.eucu.net will serve as contact point and interactive community portal. Please bookmark to be kept up to date on ongoing developments.
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EUCU.NET is funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), Science in Society.
The main objective of the Children’s University is to open up the university campus to the public at
large. Innovative is the fact that the universities are specifically targeted at the interests of
young people and children (seven or eight onwards). Generally the format in all universities is
similar - this consists of the organisation of activities and events in the form of lectures,
workshops or excursions, which are specifically targeted towards the interests, and needs of
young people.
Generally these events take place on a university campus either during a specified period of
time or as a series of events throughout the year.
The aims can be summarized as follows:
The main idea of Children's Universities: to promote the interests in science, to combat stereotyped notions, children get to know scientists and researchers "at eye level" and learn more about science careers.
