Over 10,000 children and young people inspired by science and technology – Oulu University LUMA Centre’s activities grow strongly

In 2025, the LUMA Centre at Oulu University reached over 10,000 children, young people and educators in Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu regions. The increased number of participants demonstrates that high-quality science and technology education is in demand, and that the importance of LUMA subjects in building future skills is stronger than ever.
Pieni poika kurkistaa mikroskooppiin luokkatilassa.

The aim of the LUMA Centre’s activities is to inspire children and young people to engage with mathematics, science, environmental studies and technology, and to provide teachers with support for up-to-date, research-based teaching development. The centre is part of the national LUMA Centre Finland network, which comprises 13 regional centres across the country.

Extensive activities: workshops, outreach tours and pop-up science at events

In 2025, the LUMA Centre at Oulu University organised a wide range of hands-on learning experiences:

  • Outreach workshops in nurseries and schools reached almost 600 participants. Children and young people enjoyed memorable moments with, for example, chemical reactions, programming tasks and mathematical puzzles.
  • Pop-up workshops were presented at several events in the Oulu region, such as the Night of the Arts, LUMO Festival, Researchers' Night and Take Your Child to Work Day. Popular activities included light painting, mathematical escape games and exploring rocks with digital microscopes.
  • Equipment lending, such as laboratory kits, digital microscopes, puzzle games and programming devices, reached nearly 1,000 users.
  • Children's science clubs in schools in the Oulu area offered engaging activities ranging from magnets and statistics to self-made musical instruments.

In 2026, a new activity will be added: science mornings at the university during children’s holidays.

"We want to offer children and young people the opportunity to experiment, discover and get excited. Our goal is to make science and technology accessible and to show that anyone can be a researcher," say Kati Pajari and Eve Ojala from the University of Oulu.

Learning LUMA subjects develops logical thinking, problem-solving skills and an understanding of the world – skills needed in everyday life and at work. The LUMA Centre’s work extends from early childhood education to upper secondary level and teacher continuing education.

Created 23.3.2026 | Updated 23.3.2026