The STEPS Project

Science for Growth – Empowering Minds

Science is more than a source of knowledge—it is a way of thinking that nurtures curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking.

Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, Researchers at Schools initiatives, and science communication events, the STEPS project inspires people of all ages to explore the world of research and discover the vital role that science plays in everyday life.

European Researchers’ Night
Countdown to the great celebration of science

Heraklion · Chania · Rethymno — September 25, 2026

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MAIN ACTIVITIES
Bringing Science Closer to Society

STEPS (Science for Growth – Empowering Minds) is funded under Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and Citizens programme and aims to bring research and society closer together. It creates opportunities for meaningful interaction between researchers and citizens, highlights the societal impact of research and innovation, and encourages young people in particular to explore careers in science and actively contribute to shaping the future.

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European Researchers’ Night

Experiments, guided tours, and meetings with researchers in three cities.

Experiments, guided tours, and meetings with researchers in three cities.

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Researchers at School

School visits based on thematic pillars: Green, Digital, Health, Equality.

School visits based on thematic pillars: Green, Digital, Health, Equality.

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Growth Mindset Learning Labs

Experiential STEM/STEAM workshops for students and educators.

Experiential STEM/STEAM workshops for students and educators.

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Public Engagement

Citizen science, "Ask a Scientist," and open discussions with citizens.

Citizen science, "Ask a Scientist," and open discussions with citizens.

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GROWTH MINDSET

Approach – STEM/STEAM

The STEPS project integrates the Growth Mindset pedagogy. All project activities are designed to foster curiosity, perseverance, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, highlighting that learning and science are continuous processes of discovery and growth.

Through this approach, STEPS empowers students, educators, researchers, and citizens to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to respond to the challenges of the future.

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Growth Mindset

Synergies for Science
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS

The collaborating university and research centers that support and implement the activities of the STEPS project.

What's happening at STEPS right now?
News and Events
June 5, 2026

Science for Growth – Empowering Minds (STEPS) Invitation to Participate

The University of Crete has secured funding through the Horizon Europe – MSCA & Citizens 2025 programme for the Science…

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June 2, 2026

University of Crete Secures Funding for the STEPS Project under Horizon Europe – MSCA & Citizens 2025

The University of Crete is pleased to announce that it has secured funding for the project “Science for Growth –…

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May 8, 2026

The kick-off meeting of the European projecτ – Science for Growth – Empowering Minds

The kick-off meeting of the European project STEPS (SCIENCE FOR GROWTH – EMPOWERING MINDS) was successfully held on 8 June…

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The people behind the research
MEET THE RESEARCHERS

Meet the researchers who bring science to life, share their passion for knowledge and answer the questions of tomorrow.

Maria Chatzinikolaidou

Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Ioannis Charalampopoulos

Professor of Pharmacology

John Tsiaoussis

Professor of Anatomy, School of Medicine

Christos Tsatsanis

Professor, School of Medicine

Vasia Tsami

Assistant Professor of Modern Greek Language and Teaching Methodology, Department of Primary Education

Helen-Melina Tamiolaki

Vice-Rector for Development, International Relations, and Outreach; Professor, Department of Philology