11–12 September 2026, Matera will host the Final STEAM Innovation Ecosystem Conference and International Student Festival, a European gathering to celebrate innovation, collaboration and the future of STEAM education.
This September, the city of Matera will become a European hub for educators, researchers, students and innovation practitioners from Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and Italy, who will come together to celebrate the achievements and share the experiences gained throughout the STEAM Innovation project. At the heart of the two-day event is the idea that science, arts and cultural heritage are not separate disciplines, but interconnected fields that, when combined, can create richer and more meaningful learning experiences. This interdisciplinary approach has been explored and tested by the European partners throughout the project, with the aim of enabling students to develop scientific knowledge while strengthening creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The event will feature inspiring keynote speeches, contributions from the project partners, student showcases and moments of exchange with educators, researchers and representatives from the cultural and creative sectors. Participants will explore how creative methodologies based on theatre, music, making and tinkering have been integrated into science education to create more engaging and inclusive learning experiences, while fostering participation, collaboration and sustainability. Alongside the project final conference, students from the partner countries will take part in the International Students’ Festival, presenting the projects they have developed throughout the initiative, meeting peers from across Europe and discovering Matera through an interactive urban game designed to encourage teamwork, curiosity and exploration of the city.
Meet one of our Keynote Speaker: Jessica Niewint-Gori
Among the keynote speakers of the STEAM Innovation Ecosystem Final Conference is Jessica Niewint-Gori, Senior Researcher at INDIRE (the Italian National Institute for Documentation, Innovation and Educational Research), where she coordinates the research area Teaching, Learning and Competences. Her work focuses on exploring innovative, digital and student-centred approaches that support meaningful learning experiences and the development of future-oriented competences.
Jessica has been researching STE(A)M education for many years, with a particular focus on how technology and interdisciplinary approaches can transform the way students learn. One of her early research experiences explored the use of 3D printing in primary education, showing how digital tools can become powerful instruments to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking from an early age. Her expertise has also contributed to shaping STE(A)M education at European level. She coordinated the development of the integrated STEM teaching framework within the STE(A)M-IT project and played a leading role in the development of the European Roadmap for STE(A)M Education within the SEER project. She is also a member of a European Ministry of Education STEM Working Group and serves as the Italian National Contact Point for Scientix, the European community for science education. Throughout her career, Jessica has worked closely with teachers, schools and policymakers, supporting the design of professional development activities, workshops and initiatives aimed at making education more inclusive, collaborative and connected to real-world challenges. Building on this experience, her current work focuses on innovative, digital and student-centred approaches, including STE(A)M education and artificial intelligence in education, that foster meaningful learning and the development of future-oriented competences.
A key message underpinning her work is that educational innovation is not simply about bringing new technologies into the classroom. Lasting change emerges when teaching practices, learning environments, school organisation and collaboration among education communities evolve together. This perspective strongly connects with the challenges currently shaping European education: strengthening digital and scientific competences, encouraging more young people, especially girls, to engage with STEM subjects, reducing inequalities and preparing students for a rapidly changing world influenced by technological innovation and artificial intelligence.
We are delighted to welcome Jessica to Matera and look forward to hearing her insights on how STEAM education can help build more creative, inclusive and future-ready learning environments.
Looking Ahead
The STEAM Innovation Ecosystem Final Conference and the International Students’ Festival will mark the conclusion of a journey supported by the Creative Europe Programme, while also opening the door to new collaborations, shared practices and future opportunities for innovation in education. Beyond celebrating the achievements of the project, the event will provide a space to reflect on how the approaches, resources and experiences developed can continue to inspire schools, teachers and education communities across Europe.
For those unable to join us in Matera, the conference will also be live-streamed, allowing participants from across Europe and beyond to follow the keynote sessions, presentations and discussions online.
The full programme and registration details will be available soon.
We look forward to welcoming you to Matera and sharing this important moment with the STEAM education community.
