Ask the Science Granny!
A pilot project that connects generations
Ask the Science Granny! is an initiative that encourages women aged 60+ to explore their curiosity for science and to share their knowledge with younger generations. Our goal is to foster interest in STEM subjects and to break down stereotypical role models.
Bringing together the Science Grannies, children, students and scientists to experience research up close. Playful, curious and full of joy in discovering together, a space emerges where knowledge is shared, questions are asked, new ideas are developed and answers are found. A vibrant community grows that shows: science is not just something for the lab or the desk, it belongs right in the middle of life.
The Science Grannies not only create and experience aha moments, but also become role models themselves, showing that knowledge knows no age limits. Whether during an exciting workshop in the lab, exchanging ideas with researchers at the Science Granny Roundtable, or later co-shaping the project future, the principle is always the same: Research connects, excites and enriches across generations.
Any woman aged around 60 and older can become a Science Granny, regardless of whether she has grandchildren or not. No educational or professional background in pedagogy or science is required. What counts most are life experience, curiosity and the joy of learning and discovering together with children.
Science Granny Roundtable: Exchange and Co-Creation!
At the monthly Science Granny Roundtables, participants gain fascinating insights behind the scenes of research, often with a special focus on scientists at ISTA.
The roundtables will also continue to serve as an open platform for exchange and co-creation for active and interested Science Grannies. Together, we want to develop ideas and shape the future of the initiative, for example on topics such as: establishing the Science Granny Association, developing new workshop formats, expanding to other regions and internationally, funding models, qualifications and networking.
Whether you bring new ideas or simply want to exchange thoughts: interested women, current Science Grannies and potential cooperation partners are warmly welcome.
So far, we have reached over 600 children in participating after-school programs in and around Klosterneuburg through 60 research workshops.
This autumn, women interested in trying out the role of Science Granny will once again have the chance to conduct workshops with children on campus, together with grandchildren, godchildren or neighborhood kids. The workshops focus on hands-on experimenting on a variety of scientific topics. They are led by the science communicators of the VISTA team.
From Pilot Phase to the Future
The successful pilot phase at ISTA will conclude at the end of 2025, as will the initial funding by LEA. But this is only the beginning: from the project, the Science Granny Association has emerged, continuing and further developing the most impactful activities, while enriching them with new partner institutions.
The VISTA Science Experience Center will remain an important partner for training and intergenerational events. This creates a sustainable initiative that demonstrates how collaborative research connects generations, sparks curiosity and brings science into everyday life, today, tomorrow and for the generations to come.
From 2026, the new training sessions for becoming a Science Granny will begin.
Learn more here:
www.scienceoma.com
Contact
Laura Sartori
connecting generations as the radiant face of the “Ask the Science Granny!” project, and boxing tango dancer with an education studies background.
Science connects generations
