EU STEM Coalition General Assembly in Istanbul
The future of education is not merely a theory, but a collaboration that transcends borders. Between April 22–24, 2026, Istanbul became the center of European educational innovation during the annual general assembly of the EU STEM Coalition, where the STEAM Office of Obuda University and the Hungarian STEAM Platform, represented by office and platform director Zoltán Márton, once again demonstrated that Hungary is not only following international trends, but actively shaping them.
Commemoration and reinforcement of strategic directions
The three-day meeting began with a solemn moment as participants commemorated the founder of the coalition, Beatrice Boots. Her work laid the foundation for long-term European capacity building, with a particular emphasis on supporting the development of the Central and Eastern European region and fostering active dialogue among national platforms. This vision continues to serve as a direct inspiration for the regional development efforts of the Hungarian STEAM Platform.
During the general assembly, the EU STEM Coalition also outlined its new five-year strategy, focusing on strengthening partnerships, scaling successful local initiatives across Europe, and deepening cooperation between education, policymaking, and economic stakeholders.
International best practices from Science Parks to early childhood education
One of the conference’s most important conclusions was that the STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) cannot wait until secondary education. During the inspiring presentations, Paula Walshe highlighted that the foundations of creativity and scientific curiosity must already be established in early childhood education, while Pedro Russo demonstrated, through the success of the Portuguese Ciência Viva network, how 22 science centers can be effectively coordinated. This model could also serve as an excellent example for the future development of Hungarian Science Parks.
The policy framework was further contextualized by Ziya Selçuk, former Minister of National Education of Turkey, who provided insight into effective and sustainable operational models for national platforms.
Achievements and collaborations of the Hungarian STEAM Platform
The STEAM Office of Obuda University and the Hungarian STEAM Platform did not arrive in Istanbul empty-handed. Zoltán Márton, head of the Hungarian STEAM Platform, actively contributed to several key professional topics during the general assembly’s working group workshops.
Throughout the event, collaboration opportunities were strengthened with representatives of several member states in areas including science communication, educational development, the organization of STEAM competitions, and international knowledge sharing.
The STEAM Office of Obuda University and the Hungarian STEAM Platform also presented their integrated portfolio model through a comprehensive professional poster. The model is built upon six stable pillars: talent development, teacher training, science communication, ecosystem building, educational innovation, and educational research. This structure clearly demonstrates that Hungarian STEAM initiatives operate not as isolated programs, but as a mutually reinforcing strategic system.
Coalition members showed significant interest in further Hungarian initiatives presented by the STEAM Office of Obuda University and the Hungarian STEAM Platform, including the first International STEAM Festival, the ICGAL 2025 GenAI Conference, Minecraft-based educational development, and the experiences of the STEAM Teacher Academy.
The long-term goal is to build upon these achievements through new European collaborations that will strengthen the international development of STEAM education through joint programs, professional events, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
New horizons on the european stage
The Istanbul general assembly was far more than a professional exchange of experiences: it opened concrete collaboration opportunities and new partnership directions for Obuda University.
As a direct outcome, our role has been further strengthened within the recently submitted STEM Education Centres Erasmus+ project. In addition, promising professional discussions were initiated with representatives of EdTech Ukraine, Hacettepe University, and STEM Revolution. These new connections may create significant long-term opportunities for the development of international STEAM collaborations.
Participation in the event conveyed a clear message: the STEAM Office of Obuda University and the Hungarian STEAM Platform are active, initiative-driven, and internationally visible contributors to the European educational innovation landscape. Our work is not only focused on recognizing future challenges, but also on developing measurable, practical, and innovative solutions that contribute to the renewal of STEAM education at the European level.
The experiences gained at the Istanbul general assembly and the professional relationships established there reinforced our confidence that we are well prepared for upcoming application cycles, equipped with new inspiration and an expanding partner network. Our goal is to continue strengthening the Hungarian STEAM community and to integrate Hungary even more actively into the development of the European STEAM ecosystem.
