STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Date of latest update: 2026-09-11

Description

Description (EN):

In era when rapid technological advancements & evolving job markets shape the future, the STEMlab Synergy project emerges as a beacon of innovation & forward-thinking. It is more than just a project; it is a transformative journey, aimed at reshaping the skills of tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and thinkers. "Learning STEM, Learning Life" is not just a slogan; it is our commitment to preparing young minds for a future, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not just subjects, but pathways to understanding and engaging with the world. COMMON CHALLENGES The project addresses the pressing challenge of improving STEM education in the cross-border region of Zakarpattia (UA) & Satu Mare County (RO). Both regions face similar issues: outdated educational facilities for studying sciences, lack of modern teaching methodologies & skills of teachers, lack of students’ motivation to study, stereotypes in perception of STEM careers, as well as the mismatch between educational outcomes & labour market demands. These challenges hinder the development of a skilled workforce, negatively affecting regional economic growth and innovation capabilities. OBJECTIVES & EXPECTED CHANGE: The overall objective of the project is to enhance the quality and relevance of STEM education in secondary schools across the targeted cross-border region. By upgrading educational equipment, introducing innovative teaching methods, and fostering cross-border cooperation, the project aims to bridge the gap between education and the labour market. The expected change is a more engaged student population, better-equipped teachers, and a curriculum that aligns with contemporary market needs, ultimately leading to improved employability and regional development. The specific project objective is to enhance the access of 8,046 secondary students aged 12-17 to high-quality STEM education through the establishment of 7 modern science labs, the training of 17 teacher trainers, and students motivation and career awareness programmes (camps, fairs, competitions) in STEM fields within Uzhhorod district of Zakarpattia (UA) and Satu Mare County (RO). OUTPUTS & BENEFICIARIES To achieve its objectives the project will produce the following outputs: 7 cross-functional science labs created at the educational institutions in Zakarpattia, UA & Satu Mare, RO; 1 INSET training programme developed for STEM teachers of Zakarpattia & Satu Mare county (30 hours = 1 ECTS credit); 17 teacher trainers trained and able to run the professional development program for STEM teachers in Zakarpattia & Satu Mare; 30 STEM subject teachers trained and certified on the advanced teaching methods, interactive & digital tools, STEM education; 1 awareness-raising campaign conducted to promote STEM education among secondary students and graduates; 1 pilot cross-border motivational STEM-oriented activity successfully held for secondary education students from Romania and Ukraine (career awareness event, student STEM projects competitions, and a cross-border camp for students). Tthe project beneficiaries are secondary students aged 12-17, STEM teachers and teacher trainers, as well as secondary educational institutions. CROSS-BORDER APPROACH The project adopts a collaborative, cross-border approach, pooling resources, expertise, and best practices from both UA & RO. This approach is necessary to address the shared regional challenges effectively, fostering a standardized quality of education across borders. Cross-border cooperation enables cultural & educational exchanges, enriches learning experiences, and prepares students for the increasingly integrated Eu labour market. NOVELTY/ORIGINALITY OF THE PROJECT: What sets STEMlab Synergy apart is its comprehensive approach, combining educational infrastructure development (STEM labs equipment), capacity building (teacher training), and community engagement (competitions and awareness campaigns). An innovative solution is to turn UZHNU into a STEM hub for secondary education through locating the 4 labs in the university instead of some specific schools. This approach will secure wider access for the 22 local schools for practical lessons and laboratory work in these labs according to the schedule agreed. One more thing is combating negative perceptions and stereotypes, incl. gender ones related to STEM education, through running promotion & career awareness raising campaign, career promotion events, STEM projects competitions and a camp for students. STEMlab Synergy stands out for its holistic and integrative approach. It is not just about teaching STEM; it is about embedding these disciplines into the fabric of educational experiences. The project's uniqueness lies in its cross-border collaboration, creating a novel educational ecosystem that nurtures environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. It is a venture that not only meets current educational needs but also anticipates and shapes the future.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first reporting period, the project made a confident start, laying solid groundwork for modern STEM education in Zakarpattia (Ukraine) and Satu Mare (Romania). The achievements of the first project period are as follows: 1. Cross-border partners working as one team The partners aligned their plans, established management and visibility tools, and officially launched the project with a public event in Uzhhorod. The kick-off attracted wide media attention, including 17 online publications, 2 television reports, and 9 social media posts, ensuring strong visibility from the very start. 2. Laying the foundation for science laboratories In Ukraine, detailed technical specifications and procurement documentation for four laboratories were finalised, and the first local open tender was launched. In Romania, consultations with schools and local authorities helped define the needs and layouts for three laboratories, creating a solid basis for procurement in the next stage. These steps directly contribute to the project’s objective of establishing seven modern science laboratories. 3. Building teacher capacity – training the trainers A concept for the Training of Trainers (TOT) programme was developed to prepare 17 STEM teacher trainers (12 from Ukraine and 5 from Romania). In addition, a draft 30-hour (1 ECTS) training programme for STEM teachers was created; it will be refined by the trainers during the TOT course and later piloted with teachers. This ensures readiness for the project’s capacity-building component and contributes to the sustainability of the training approach after the project ends. 4. Promoting STEM as a path to the future A cross-border communication campaign was planned for November 2025–September 2026, featuring the messages “Learning STEM – Learning Life” and “STEM Shapes Future Skills.” The campaign links STEM with real life, promotes gender equality, and highlights diverse career opportunities — strengthening the project’s specific objective of promoting STEM careers among young people. Added value of cross-border cooperation Both Ukrainian and Romanian partners, together with the Romanian associate, pool their expertise and resources to jointly address shared challenges in STEM education — outdated infrastructure, the need for modern teaching methods, and the gap between education and labour market needs. Working on the same tasks in both countries — establishing laboratories, training teachers, and promoting STEM — enables the partners to develop and apply unified approaches, share best practices, and ensure comparable quality and impact on both sides of the border. This cooperation fosters cultural and educational exchange, builds lasting institutional partnerships, and creates a modern, interconnected STEM learning environment across the cross-border region. During the reporting period, the project moved from preparation to active implementation, achieving visible cross-border results in education, communication, and laboratory development in both Ukraine and Romania. A key achievement was the training of 17 teacher trainers (12 from Ukraine and 5 from Romania), who completed a joint cross-border Training of Trainers. These educators are now equipped to deliver modern STEM education using AI-based tools and will further train other teachers, multiplying the project’s impact on students. In parallel, the project made concrete progress in creating modern science laboratories. In Ukraine, equipment for the Biology laboratory was largely delivered and partially installed, while procurement for Robotics and Chemistry laboratories is ongoing. In Romania, procurement procedures for laboratory equipment are in the finalisation stage. These laboratories will provide students with access to practical, hands-on STEM learning environments. The project also launched a cross-border communication campaign to promote STEM education and careers. Social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) are active, and the first animation videos were produced, presenting STEM as relevant, accessible, and open to all, including girls. Schools and education stakeholders in both countries are already engaged in sharing content and reaching students. Despite delays in procurement due to complex procedures and regulatory requirements, partners worked closely together to solve issues, relaunch tenders, and maintain progress. All activities were coordinated jointly, ensuring that decisions, planning, and problem-solving were carried out in a cross-border context. Overall, the project has established trained human capacity, partially operational laboratory infrastructure, and active communication channels. These results create a strong foundation for the next phase, when students will directly benefit from laboratories, competitions, and hands-on STEM activities.

Project outputs: 7 cross-functional science laboratories created/modernized at the educational institutions in Zakarpattia, UA and Satu Mare, RO(EN)
Partnership of STEM education development in Zakarpattia & Satu Mare(EN) Website: https://www.facebook.com/yadro.lab

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Education and training Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Ua_2) Social Development Across Borders

Priority specific objective: RSO4.2. Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 149 Support for primary to secondary education (excluding infrastructure)

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Асоціація проєктних менеджерів "ЯДРО"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 880042589

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 25442638

Address: Mukachivska, 88000 Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.facebook.com/yadro.lab

Total budget: EUR 89 680.98

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 80 712.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 968.10

Contractors:

Name: Akademiya tsyfrovoho rozvytku
VAT registration or tax identification number: 43109490
Name: PE Hetsko D.I
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3417007424
Name: PE Smilyanets O.A.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3372804670
Name: PE Riabokon P.A.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3378408110
Name: PE Drobynyak M.I.
VAT registration or tax identification number: ID002875206
Name: PE Shytyev A.K.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32266229300
Name: PE Hanych Oleh
VAT registration or tax identification number: no vat payer
Name: PE Horyachov
VAT registration or tax identification number: no VAT payer
Name: PE Balko Oleksandra
VAT registration or tax identification number: no VAT payer
Name: PE Birov T.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2222503054
Name: PE Kostsyoviat T.B.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3273322130

Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association

Name: Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 931196606

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 34007526

Address: Piata 25 Octombrie, 440162 Satu Mare, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.adijudetulsatumare.ro

Total budget: EUR 219 978.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 980.56

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 997.84

Contractors:

Name: INTER SM S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 51740500
Name: BRANDNEST SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 50780530
Name: BRANDNEST SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 50780530

Державний вищий навчальний заклад "Ужгородський національний університет"

Name: Державний вищий навчальний заклад "Ужгородський національний університет"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998481626

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02070832

Address: Pidhirna, 88000 Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.uzhnu.edu.ua/en/

Total budget: EUR 134 746.48

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 121 271.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 13 474.65

Contractors:

Name: LLC "AMK MANAGEMENT SERVICES"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 456450426561
Name: FOP Bilokudria Olena Olegovna
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3219405685
Name: LLC "SYSTEMATIC UKRAINE"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 401752926558
Name: LLC "OSVITA 365"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45635893
Name: FOP MALIEVSKYY V.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2757511498
Name: LLC "PBG19"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 457012726574
Name: FOP RIGAL SERGIY OLEKSIYOVYCH
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2382712553
Name: LLC "ARTLINE INTEGRATION"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40733799
Name: LLC "YUDITRADE"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 42036301
Name: LLC "UOSLAB"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45495147
Name: LLC "AMK MANAGEMENT SERVICES"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 456450426561
Name: LLC "OSVITA 365"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45635893
Name: FOP MALIEVSKYY V.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2757511498

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Județul Satu Mare

STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Partners and Projects info

State University "Uzhhorod National University"

STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Partners and Projects info

Project Managers Association "YADRO"

STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Project acronym: STEMLab Synergy

Project ID: ROUA00153

Project start date: 2025-05-15

Project end date: 2026-11-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

National Recovery and Resilience Plan for Romania (EN) | The National Recovery and Resilience Plan for Romania offered significant funds for the procurements of equipment for schools and for creation of laboratories. These are mostly IT laboratories and there is still need for equipment for special laboratories that respond to the needs of the labour market. (EN), Education for Diversity Project (EN) | ADIJSM has implemented in the summer of 2023 the project „Education for diversity„ focusing on the inclusiveness of most disadvantaged pupils in high school through camps, workshops for professors, story-telling. ADIJSM has 5 high schools (all vocational) from the county of Satu Mare as partners. From the project, the project partner has learned that there is a high need for schools to be equipped with modern laboratories so that the pupils can be involved better in the educational system and receive knowledge and skills that are in accordance with the needs of the labour market. The training and activiity materials will be also used for the STEMLab Synergy project. (EN), FINLAND’S SUPPORT TO THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL REFORM «LEARNING TOGETHER» (LT) (EN) | This project was aimed to improve the quality & public perception of UA education operating in 3 key clusters: teacher preparation, education promotion, education environment. LT was a successful 4-years programme. https://nushub.org.ua/. STEMLab Synergy will rely on its ouputs and approaches, use its products. (EN), LP's training initiatives (EN) | The project will make use of training materials and practices of the Lead partner for the development of the professional development programme of teachers on problem-based and project-oriented learning, design thinking, critical thinking etc. (EN), Scientific and Methodological Support of STEM Education in General Secondary Education Institutions (EN) | The project will make use of the materials and studies of the project.
In 2023, the Department of Education, Science, Youth, and Sports of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration, in collaboration with the DNU "IMZO", initiated the educational project "Scientific and Methodological Support of STEM Education in General Secondary Education Institutions". The project is planned for the years 2023-2027. Five institutions of general secondary education in Uzhhorod are involved in the project: Uzhhorod Scientific Lyceum of the Zakarpattia Regional Council; Uzhhorod Lyceum named after Vasyl Stepanovych Grendzha-Donsky of the Uzhhorod City Council of Zakarpattia Region; Uzhhorod Lyceum named after T.G. Shevchenko of the Uzhhorod City Council of Zakarpattia Region; Uzhhorod Lyceum № 5 of the Uzhhorod City Council of Zakarpattia Region; Uzhhorod Lyceum №12 of the Uzhhorod City Council of Zakarpattia Region. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 444 405.86

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 399 965.27

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Procurement documentation
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Activity report
Operational guidelines of the 4 science labs
Cooperation memorandum
Communication package
Materials of the official openings
Procurement documentation
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Equipment commissioning acts + fixed assets register card
Communication package
Activity report
Training programme for teachers approved
Training materials for teachers
Package of the cross-border training session in UA
Package of the national training in UA
Package of the study visit in UA
Package of the study visit in RO
Package of the training programme for teachers in UA
Training workshop for teachers in RO
Activity report
Teacher Guide Book on modern STEM education of three parts
Promo campaign content plan
Animation videos
Video interviews
Activity report on the promotion campaign
Package of the Profession Fair in RO
Package of the Profession Fair in UA
Activity report
Competition package
Jury meeting minutes
Project Lab Camp package
Activity report
Project communication plan and activity plan.
Visibility package
Kick-off meeting + start press conferences package
Project final newsletter
Package of the final partner meeting + 2 fnal press conferences

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project contributes to Priority Area (PA) 9 „People and Skills“.
Alignment with its objectives:
The project aligns with PA9, which focuses on enhancing prosperity in the Danube Region through investment in human capital. This priority area emphasizes the importance of education, training, and skill development as key drivers for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Specific contributions:
1/ bridging education and labour market needs: the project addresses the gap between educational outputs and labour market requirements. By improving STEM education, it directly contributes to equipping the youth with relevant skills and knowledge that are in demand in the modern economy.
2/ promotion of STEM education: through the establishment of modern science laboratories, the project creates an environment conducive to innovation and practical learning. This approach is in line with PA9’s aim to foster creativity and innovation skills among the youth.
3/ professional development for teachers: the project’s focus on developing a comprehensive professional development program for STEM teachers supports the strategic goal of enhancing the quality of education. By equipping educators with advanced teaching methodologies and digital tools, it contributes to the overall improvement of educational standards in the region.
4/ STEM career awareness and promotion campaigns, along with professional events, align with PA9’s objective of making the region more competitive and resilient. These initiatives aim to inspire and guide students towards careers in STEM fields, thereby addressing the need for skilled professionals in these areas.
5/ fostering soft skills and innovation: in addition to technical STEM skills, the project places a strong emphasis on the development of soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills are essential for fostering an innovative mindset and are crucial for the future workforce in the region.
Other PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (PA) OF ROMANIA WITH EU 2021-2027
Alignment with the PA objectives:
The project is aligned with the objectives set out in the PA, particularly in the context of education reform and enhancement.
Specific contributions:
1/ equal access to quality education: by establishing modern science labs and implementing innovative teaching methodologies, the project ensures equal access to high-quality STEM education for student. This directly addresses the agreement’s goal of inclusive and equitable education.
2/ combatting school dropout and enhancing competences: the project’s emphasis on engaging and hands-on STEM education is designed to reduce school dropout rates by making technical and vocational education more appealing and relevant. The comprehensive training program for teachers further ensures that students acquire skills that are both market-relevant and future-proof.
3/ promotion of digital learning: the integration of digital technologies and tools in STEM education, as part of the project, is in line with the agreement's focus on enhancing digital learning. This approach prepares students for a digitally-driven future, ensuring their competencies remain relevant and adaptable.
4/ bridging the education-labour market gap: the project’s focus on practical, problem-solving, and project-oriented learning directly tackles the issue of education not meeting labour market needs. By equipping students with real-world skills and knowledge, the project aligns education outputs with market demands.
5/ development of dual education routes: the project’s initiatives contribute to creating more comprehensive pathways in the dual education system. This is achieved through the practical application of theoretical knowledge in modern laboratories and the emphasis on a balanced blend of academic learning with skill development.
Other NATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME (NEP) OF ROMANIA:
The project aligns well with the goals of the NEP, particularly in addressing key challenges in the education sector.
Specific contributions:
1/ enhancing early childcare and education quality: while the project's primary focus is on secondary education, the promotion of STEM and the establishment of modern educational practices create a ripple effect that benefits the entire educational system, incl. early childcare. Improved teaching methods and facilities uplift the overall quality of education.
2/ innovative teaching methods: the project embodies innovation in education through its state-of-the-art science labs, teacher training in cutting-edge STEM methodologies, and emphasis on problem-solving and project-oriented learning. These initiatives represent a significant advancement from traditional teaching methods and align with the programme's objective of supporting new and innovative approaches in education.
3/ fostering lifelong learning and skill development: by integrating modern technology and teaching methodologies in STEM education, the project fosters an environment conducive to lifelong learning and continuous skill development. This approach not only improves the current educational experience for students but also prepares them for ongoing learning and adaptation in their future careers.
4/ teacher professional development: the comprehensive training provided to teacher trainers and teachers under the project enhances their ability to implement innovative teaching methods. This not only improves the immediate learning environment for students but also contributes to the long-term development of the teaching profession.
Other ACTION PLAN FOR EDUCATION IN ROMANIA 2019 – 2030
provides for elaboration of a new STE(A)M curriculum, based on a trans-disciplinary approach, creation of OERs (Open Educational Resources) to support the implementation of the STE(A)M curriculum, implementation of an updated competences framework for educators from the STE(A)M field, phasing the implementation of the new curriculum at all school levels, ongoing monitoring, impact evaluation, and adjustment of resources and indicators for reaching maximum impact. The project contributes here by creating modern science labs, professional development of teachers in STEM and modern teaching methodologies, promotion of STEM.
As to establishment of STEM labs:
Strategy for modernization of education infrastructure: 2018-2023 specifies that the infrastructure of the educational system and of the vocational education system represents an essential factor of the educational process, with direct impact upon pupils. The strategy also mentions as one essential action the investments in the rehabilitation and modernization of practice laboratories which are adapted to the level of technological development and to the requests on the labour market.
-The national recovery and resilience plan for Romania has a special section dedicated to education, having as main objective: raising the resilience capacity of the educational system through the modernization of the education infrastructure of the the endowments, in correlation with the present and future needs of the labour market, in order to ensure the participation at a modern and inclusive educational system;
Other NATIONAL REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF UKRAINE 2021-2027
The project aligns with and contributes significantly to the Operational Goal 1 “Human Capital Development” of Ukraine's National Regional Development Strategy 2021-2027, particularly in the area of “Development of General Secondary Education.” Here's how the project aligns with the specific tasks outlined in the strategy:
1/ optimizing the educational network: the project aids in improving the material and technical base of educational institutions through establishing a hub for modern science laboratories.
2/ professional development of pedagogical staff: the project directly contributes to this task by providing professional development programs for STEM teachers and teacher trainers.
3/ implementation of IT in the educational process: the project directly contributes to this task by integrating information technologies in STEM education, providing access to quality educational materials, and employing modern pedagogical methods.
4/ effective formation of modern digital skills: this task is directly addressed by the project's focus on developing digital competencies and skills within the STEM curriculum.
5/ enhancing digital literacy of pedagogical staff: directly addressed through the project's professional development programs, which include enhancing digital literacy.
Other NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
The project aligns with the New Ukrainian School (NUS) concept, which is reforming secondary education in Ukraine by 2029. Taking into account that STEM is one of the basic concepcts for NUS, the project supports several key NUS principles:
Integrated STEM education: NUS emphasizes competence-based learning over traditional knowledge acquisition. The project embodies this through its STEM-focused curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide practical learning experiences.
21st century education modernization: acknowledging the evolving nature of professions and technologies, STEMlab Synergy introduces modern science labs and innovative teaching methods, resonating with NUS's emphasis on IT skills.
Critical thinking and problem-solving: central to NUS is developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The project fosters this through problem-based and project-oriented learning, encouraging practical application of STEM concepts.
Teacher training: NUS highlights the need for teacher professional development. The project addresses this by offering comprehensive training programs for teacher trainers, enhancing their STEM teaching capabilities.
Levels of education: aligning with NUS's structure of primary, basic, and profile education levels, project encourages STEM interest from early education, deepens understanding at the basic level, and supports specialized STEM projects at the profile level.
Labor market alignment: project prepares students for high-demand STEM roles, aligning with NUS's recognition of the growing need for STEM professionals in the labor market.
In essence, STEMlab Synergy advances the NUS objectives by modernizing STEM education, enhancing teacher skills, fostering critical student competencies, and aligning education with contemporary labour market needs.
Other STEM EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT OF UA
The project aligns with and contributes to the CabMin of Ukraine's Concept for the Development of Natural and Mathematical Education (STEM Education) envisaged until 2027. The project's alignment and contribution are as follows:
1/ Modernizing STEM education: The project establishes modern science laboratories and implements innovative teaching methodologies
2/ Developing critical and engineering thinking: the project's emphasis on problem-solving and project-oriented learning nurtures critical, engineering, and algorithmic thinking among students. These are key competencies that the STEM education concept seeks to instill in students to meet labor market demands.
3/ Digital literacy and creativity: through the integration of digital tools and technologies in STEM education, the project fosters digital literacy, innovative thinking, and creativity among students – essential skills highlighted in the concept.
4/ Development at various educational levels: the project spans multiple educational levels, from secondary to professional, mirroring the concept's approach to implementing STEM education across the education spectrum.
5/ Formal and informal STEM education: the project embraces various forms of STEM education, including formal classroom teaching, informal learning through competitions, fairs, and online platforms, and practical experiences in modern laboratories. This multifaceted approach enriches students' STEM learning experiences.
6/ Transdisciplinary approach: STEMlab Synergy embodies a transdisciplinary approach to education, where subjects are not taught in isolation but are integrated to solve real-world problems. This method is a core aspect of the STEM education concept.
7/ Teacher Professional Development: The project’s focus on training teachers aligns with the MoES's recommendations for elevating the professional level of educators, ensuring they meet the standards of modern educational requirements.
Other DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF SATU MARE COUNTY 2021-2027
The project aligns with the Development Strategy of Satu Mare 2021-2027, particularly addressing the disparities in educational infrastructure and access between urban and rural areas.
1/ Addressing educational infrastructure gaps: the project, by modernizing and equipping three schools in Satu Mare County with state-of-the-art science laboratories, directly contributes to reducing this infrastructure gap. This aligns with Measure 4.3.1 of the strategy, which focuses on the rehabilitation, modernization, and equipping of educational units.
2/ Enhancing educational quality: the project supports the consolidation of dynamic and attractive education that meets labor market demands (Measure 4.3). By introducing modern laboratories and innovative teaching methodologies, the project elevates the quality of STEM education in the county, making it more aligned with current and future job market requirements.
3/ Promoting intelligent development: the project’s emphasis on STEM education fosters intelligent development in the county. By equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a solid foundation in STEM subjects, the project prepares them for higher education and careers in high-demand sectors.
4/ Supporting long-term educational goals: the project supports Satu Mare County’s long-term vision of developing health and education services that are inclusive and adapted to labor market needs. By modernizing educational infrastructure and enhancing teaching quality, the project lays the foundation for sustained educational improvement in the region.
Other REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF ZAKARPATTIA 2021-2027
The project aligns with and contributes to the Regional Development Strategy of Zakarpattia 2021-2027, focusing on improving educational quality and fostering CBC:
Strategic Objective 1 - Enhancing education quality: the project directly supports the goal of ensuring equal access and enhancing the quality of secondary education. By establishing state-of-the-art science laboratories in secondary schools of rural areas in Zakarpattia, the project creates modern and inclusive educational environments. This aligns with Operational Objective 1, which focuses on improving the quality and safety of educational services.
Professional development of teachers: the project contributes to elevating the competitiveness of education by running professional development programs for teachers. These programs, which emphasize practical, problem-solving, and project-oriented learning, align with Operational Objective 4 of creating modern and inclusive educational environments. By equipping teachers with new skills and methodologies, the project helps to modernize the educational landscape in the region.
Experience exchange and CBC: the project facilitates exchange of experiences and best practices between educators and institutions in Zakarpattia and Satu Mare County. This initiative fosters cross-border cooperation and aligns with Strategic Objective 2, particularly under Operational Goal 6, which aims to develop cross-border cooperation. By forming sustainable partnerships between local self-governments and educational institutions in the border regions of UA and RO, the project enhances regional competitiveness and innovation.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Ukraine (UA), Uzhhorod, Voloshyna, 54, 88000
Ukraine (UA), Uzhhorod, Voloshyna, 32, 88000
Ukraine (UA), Uzhhorod, Fedyntsya , 53, 88000
Ukraine (UA), Uzhhorod, Universytetska, 14, 88000
România (RO), Bârsău De Sus, Principala , 337, 447037
România (RO), Moftinu Mic, Principala street , 216, 447207
România (RO), Livada, Oasului, 2, 447180

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 067 - Classroom capacity of new or modernised education facilities, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 4.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 071 - Annual users of new or modernised education facilities, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

79 / 79 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

197 / 208 (94.71%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian & Ukrainian Schools

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer