Our Impact: 2023 Youth STEM Matters
Research Conference

The 2023 Youth STEM Matters Research Conference brought together 733 youth based in 80 countries globally on Saturday 29th July, to be inspired, gain skills and take action for a more sustainable future as STEM researchers & innovators! 🚀

The Research Conference was packed with inspiring talks, skills workshops, opportunities and a celebration of youth researchers & innovators tackling global challenges, featuring 30 speakers and 24 STEM-based projects by 33 youth in our biggest Research Showcase to date.

Word cloud, composed of words which attendees used to describe the Youth STEM Matters Research Conference. The biggest words are Inspiring, Amazing, Informative, Innovative and Great.

Rewatch the Research Conference

EMPOWERING YOUTH AS STEM CHANGEMAKERS…

Increased awareness of sustainability challenges, and using STEM to tackle global challenges (8.94/10)

Increased inspiration to take action for a sustainable world by using research & innovation (9.15/10)

Equipped attendees with tools/resources to use STEM research & innovation to take action for the SDGs (8.62/10)

…SO THEY CAN TAKE ACTION TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD

97%

of attendees were able to identify at least one tangible action they planned to take after the event to use STEM to create a more sustainable world.

  • Anesu, a 23 year old from Zimbabwe, is increasing access to STEM education by creating a STEM club for youth in their community

  • Amina, a 16 year old from Kazakhstan, is improving water quality through a research project on a new hydrogel that helps adsorb heavy metal ions from water

  • Gamila, a 21 year old from Egypt, is reducing the local environmental impacts of tourism by creating an app encouraging clean and greener eco-tourism

  • Kai, a 15 year old from USA, is helping strengthen their local community by starting STEM-based volunteering

In the words of Research Conference attendees…

  • “Attending the Youth STEM Matters Research Conference was simply mind-blowing! It completely changed my outlook on science and technology. Meeting brilliant experts and fellow young enthusiasts inspired me to dream bigger and believe in my potential to make a real difference in the world through STEM. I can't wait to dive into exciting projects and contribute to the future of innovation!”

    Sulaiman, 20, Nigeria

  • “The Youth STEM Matters Research Conference was an amazing experience for me. I learned so much from the speakers, the workshops, and the research showcase. I was inspired by the creativity and passion of the young researchers and innovators who presented their projects. They showed me how STEM can be used to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society. I realized that I have the potential to contribute to the global research and sustainable development agenda. It made me feel proud, empowered, and hopeful. It was a truly unforgettable experience that I will always cherish.”

    Mostafa, 17, Egypt

  • “The Research Conference has reaffirmed my belief that collaboration and knowledge-sharing among generations are essential for driving positive change. I couldn't help but feel inspired by the passion and dedication of these young researchers and innovators [in the Research Showcase]. Their projects serve as a testament to the transformative impact that youth-led initiatives can have on global challenges.”

    Millicent, 20, Scotland

  • “The Youth STEM Matters Research Conference provided me with a transformative experience, expanding my knowledge and passion for scientific research. The interactive sessions and diverse perspectives inspired me to believe in the power of innovation and sparked an interest in learning more about STEM, aiming to make a positive impact on society.”

    André, 16, Brazil
    Research Showcase Participant

9.1/10

Young people loved the Research Conference!

NPS of 72

GIVING YOUTH RESEARCHERS AND INNOVATORS A PLATFORM

33 youth, 24 impactful STEM projects

  • 100% strongly agree that they feel more empowered to continue their journey creating a more sustainable world as a youth researcher/innovator after being part of the Research Showcase

  • This was the first time 87% had a global platform to share their SDGs-aligned STEM project

  • Participants report an average of 7.5 different skills developed, including science communication, creative thinking, leadership & social influence and motivation & self-awareness

  • Impact beyond the Research Showcase: 87% now plan to submit their projects to be published in Youth STEM Matters, advancing global scientific progress for the SDGs

CREATED FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH

6 young people gained confidence, event organising experience and loads of skills as Research Conference Organisers

“Being a Research Conference Organiser has helped me appreciate the value of collaborative working towards a shared goal. It has strengthened my resolve to continue to advocate for youth voices in STEM in our continual fight to have a more sustainable world.”
— Alice Cameron, 16, Scotland - Research Conference Organiser

COLLABORATING WITH OUR SPONSORS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

University of Aberdeen logo

74% of Research Conference attendees surveyed visited the Expo, where our sponsors shared their missions, products, courses, and career opportunities with our community of some of the world’s brightest young minds in STEM research and innovation.

As well as investing in our mission, our sponsors benefit from building a diverse, socially-aware, pipeline of top global STEM talent for their company, connecting with prospective GenZ customers, and achieving their existing ESG/CSR objectives.