Society is growing increasingly dependent on science and technology. Consequently, it is important to ensure there is no shortage of scientists and scientifically literate citizens. The EU-funded ICSEfactory project uses a unique combination of measures, each tackling the issue from a different starting point. The project will create new high-capacity cross-sectoral partnerships in five partner countries consisting of science researchers, science education researchers and non-formal education providers in collaboration with related schools, enterprises and community institutions. ICSEfactory will introduce an innovative concept to increase the number of scientists and scientific knowledge in the communities by strengthening the partnerships, performing interdisciplinary lighthouse and open schooling activities, and providing career guidance for community members focusing on gender and stereotypes
