IdISBa Launches IdISBa Connecta, an Initiative to Bring Health Research Closer to Schools in the Balearic Islands
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The project, supported by the Regional Ministries of Health and Education and funded through the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), creates a direct connection between the scientific community and educational centres.
The Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) today presented IdISBa Connecta: Living Science for Schools at CEIP Costa i Llobera in Marratxí. The initiative aims to bring health research closer to students and encourage scientific vocations among young people across the Balearic Islands.
The event was attended by the Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs, Manuela García, and the Regional Minister of Education, Antoni Vera, accompanied by the Director General for Health Research, Vicenç Juan, and the Director General for Universities, Research and Artistic Education, Sebastià Massanet. They were welcomed by the Mayor of Marratxí, Jaume Llompart, the school's principal, Marga Nicolau, and IdISBa Scientific Director, Tomàs Ripoll.
A Bridge Between Research and Classrooms
IdISBa Connecta is an open platform designed to facilitate access to the research being carried out in the Balearic Islands. The project seeks to become a meeting point between the scientific community and the educational sector by providing content tailored to different educational levels and resources that help integrate health science into classroom activities.
The initiative is primarily aimed at primary and secondary school students and teachers, although it also provides resources for families and members of the public interested in science and health. Available materials include educational videos, classroom activities, games, multimedia resources and teaching materials linked to different areas of biomedical research.
Resources, Activities and Direct Contact with Researchers
One of the project's most innovative features is the opportunity for schools to contact IdISBa researchers directly to organise activities tailored to their needs. Through the platform, schools can request in-person or virtual talks, meetings with students, laboratory visits and scientific consultations through the "Ask a Scientist" section.
In addition, IdISBa Connecta includes an audiovisual space where researchers explain their scientific work in a simple and accessible way, the challenges they face and the impact their work has on people's health.
Practical Activity
The project presentation included a hands-on activity for two second-grade classes from CEIP Costa i Llobera. Maria Eugenia Cisneros, IdISBa researcher and project coordinator, led a workshop that allowed children to discover the world of microorganisms and explore the scientific method through observation, curiosity and experimentation.
Through this initiative, IdISBa strengthens its commitment to science communication and the social transfer of knowledge while helping to foster a more informed, critical and aware society, highlighting the importance of research in improving health and wellbeing.
