Day II:
Explores STEM and Sustainable Industry

The second day of the NEXT-TECH workshop focused on the importance of STEM and technology, barriers to participation, and the transition towards low-carbon industrial production. Group discussions and case studies gave participants opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

The day began with an icebreaker to help participants connect and encourage active participation in the group activities. Coordinator Mustafa then introduced the CHERISH platform, outlining its features and objectives.

Participants next took part in a World Café activity, working in four groups. Guided by questions including “Why do STEM and technology matter?” and “Breaking the barriers: Who is being left behind?”, they explored participation and inclusion in these fields. Each group shared the main ideas and recommendations that emerged from its discussions.

Following a short energizer, Mustafa delivered a technical presentation titled “From Earth to Infrastructure: The Journey of Iron and the Transition to Decarbonized Steel.” The session explored iron’s journey from production to infrastructure and the shift towards reducing carbon emissions in steelmaking.

In the final session, participants applied the ideas from the presentation to practical case studies on industrial symbiosis. Working in four groups, they developed and presented their cases, bringing the second day to a close.