Zoltán Márton delivered a presentation on European STEAM talent development at the PDC Conference
The Director of the Obuda University STEAM Office and the Hungarian STEAM Platform delivered a presentation titled “Talent Development through STEAM in the EU” as part of the 5th PDC International Education Conference.
The conference was held on August 15, 2025, at the University of Helsinki’s Kumpula campus (Chemicum). The event focused on “Educational Transformation and Practical Exploration of Sustainable Talent Cultivation from a Global Perspective,” with the participation of diplomats, university leaders, and educational experts from Europe and Asia. The event was hosted by Prof. Jan Lundell (LUMA Centre) and the lead organizer was Prof. Kristóf Fenyvesi (Experience Workshop).
Talent Development through STEAM in the EU
The presentation reviewed the EU’s 2030 education and talent development goals—with a particular emphasis on increasing the participation of girls and women in STEM—and showcased Central European STEAM talent support initiatives. It highlighted the role of the Hungarian STEAM Platform in the work of the EU STEM Coalition and in strengthening the regional STEAM network.
These efforts are closely linked to the Hungarian STEAM Platform‘s role within the EU STEM Coalition, as strengthening the Central and Eastern European STEAM network naturally entails the promotion of talent development.
The Óbuda University STEAM Office maintains close cooperation with several European and Asian universities, including the University of Jyväskylä:
“Our main goal is to build a national STEAM ecosystem, and I have learned a great deal from Prof. Jan Lundell in this regard. I look forward to continuing consultations with him as the leader of Europe’s most successful STEAM network.”
Óbuda University is conducting unique developments in the educational adaptation of the popular video game Minecraft for both public and higher education. The Johannes Kepler University (JKU Linz) and the University of Jyväskylä are also active contributors to this through the STEAMCraft Erasmus+ project; several Q2-ranked publications have been produced on the subject.
The presentation also covered Hungary’s first International STEAM Festival (April 2025), which saw the participation of more than 200 students, educators, corporate partners, and STEAM experts. Preparations for the 2026 STEAM Festival are already underway:
“The STEAM Festival 2026 is a dynamic international event where future-focused students connect with EdTech companies, educators, policymakers, and STEAM professionals. Built on the momentum of the 2025 edition, the 2026 festival invites student teams to solve real-world challenges in fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, space, sustainability, and the arts. The festival is more than a competition – it’s a collaborative experience that promotes curiosity, experimentation, and meaningful learning.”
