What is LUMA Stars?
LUMA Stars is a new interdisciplinary program by the University of Helsinki, part of the national LUMA (STEM) strategy and the LUMA Centre Finland network. It places young people at the heart of science, mathematics, and technology – not just as learners, but as futuremakers. Their voices, hopes, and questions shape the content and development of the program.
The pilot will run in summer 2025 at the University of Helsinki, with plans to expand nationally – and hopefully internationally – in the future. The program aims to support young people’s science, math, and technology learning and their future well-being in line with Finland’s national LUMA (STEM) strategy.
The program is led by Professor Maija Aksela, LUMA Science Ambassador and the “mother” of the idea, and coordinated by Maikki Roiha from LUMAlab Gadolin. A steering group of researchers, teachers, and students supports the program. From the university’s Department of Chemistry, Markus Metsälä, Vice Head of Education, is also involved.
“It’s wonderful that our students passionate about chemistry get to explore university-level research while still in high school. They’ll gain valuable experiences and clarity for their future studies. Thank you for this opportunity – hopefully, there’s more to come!” – Chemistry teacher Anssi Nivala, Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Natural Sciences
SCIENCE-TET – More Than Just a Work Experience
At the heart of the summer 2025 pilot is the SCIENCE-TET scholarship, which gives high school students the chance to spend a week at the University of Helsinki’s Department of Chemistry. The scholarship recipients will:
- Work alongside researchers
- Join Professor Timo Repo’s renowned research group focused on sustainable solutions
- Participate in activities at LUMAlab Gadolin
- Possibly visit partner companies
Theme: A Sustainable Future
The pilot program will be shaped around the students’ own interests. The goal is to build a program that not only teaches but also inspires and empowers young people to make a difference. The theme is a sustainable future – a topic that connects science, technology, and societal impact.
Youth Involved in the Design
LUMA Stars is not a top-down initiative – it’s a shared journey. The scholarship recipients will be involved in designing the program from the very beginning. The first meetings will take place in early June, and the program will start either before Midsummer or in early August, depending on the students’ schedules and preferences. LUMA Stars is more than a program – it’s a place where young people have a voice, a role, and meaning in the world of science.