Engaging the public with science is a core mission of universities. Inspiring scientific vocations in children and young people, regardless of gender, origin or social status, contributes to a more equitable and critically aware society. Hands-on experiments accessible to all foster a positive perception of science and increase public satisfaction with scientific learning. To achieve this effectively and reach a broader audience, it is essential to train science facilitators who can support this process. However, most university science curricula lack formal courses or modules for this type of training, highlighting the need for cross-curricular activities. Cell Explorers is an example of science education and public engagement program that disseminates activities through the work of trained facilitators. Operating in 10 higher education institutions in Ireland, the programme, has reached over 52,000 participants and involved more than 2300 science facilitators among university students, staff and collaborators since its creation.

With the aim of implementing the formative and educational good practices of the Cell Explorers program in Science outreach to other universities of the ENLIGHT European University Alliance, a collaborative team of research and teaching staff from the University of Galway (UoG), the University of Bordeaux (UoB) and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) is working in the SHARE project.

In November 2024, members of UoB and UPV/EHU visited UoG to learn, and trained and delivered Science activities to the public according to the Cell Explorers methodology. The next phase of the project was to run a pilot study involving 20 student volunteers at the UPV/EHU in March-May 2025. Volunteers recruited among BSc and MSc students trained as science facilitators, through the Cell Explorers online modules and hands-on workshops. This team then facilitated an educational event to young people (aged 8-17) from four schools of the Basque Country invited to visit the Science and Technology Faculty. This pilot session replicated the Cell Explorers 'Fantastic DNA' workshop. Participants extracted DNA using laboratory reagents under the mentorship of scientists in a real professional setting. University student volunteers acted as scientist facilitators, under the supervision of the SHARE project participants.

Preliminary results from the evaluation of this pilot activity are consistent with experiences observed in Ireland, where this approach has been shown to foster scientific curiosity, increase engagement in hands on science and confidence in doing science activities among young people, as well as challenging stereotypes about scientists in young learners. At the same time, the activity enhance university students' communication and transferable skills.

By sharing best practices within the ENLIGHT network partners, we aim to establish a sustainable model for science education and engagement, empowering students while promoting STEAM education and public engagement in research. Next steps include replicating the initiative at the UoB and co-developing a blended or joint training module among the three institutions to enhance science facilitator skills among ENLIGHT University Alliance students.

Acknowledgement:
“SHARE: supporting Higher Education and Research through Engagement” (Enlight+ call 2024).

Keywords: Science outreach, Public engagement, Science facilitators, Higher education, STEAM education, Cell Explorers, ENLIGHT Alliance.