Authors: Mr Kasongo Emmanuel Shutsha and Dr (PhD) Diana Contreras.

On the 16th February 2026, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Cardiff University took part in the Cardiff Science Festival, held at the sbarc|spark building, a hub for interdisciplinary research and public engagement. The team included Dr Morten Andersen, who is reader in Biogeochemical cycling, Earth’s chemical evolution, Paleoclimate and Isotope geochemistry; Dr Peidong Shi Lecturer in Geophysics; Rebecca Roberts, Research Associate in Geomechanics, Stable isotope geochemistry, Earthquake science and Fluid-rock interaction and Mr Kasongo Emmanuel Shutsha, a PhD researcher studying evapotranspiration and one of the Research Assistant on the project Reducing Gender Disparity in STEM from Kindergarten to Professional Life. This project is funded by the British Council through its Going Global Partnerships 2025-2026 call. This team, portrayed in Figure 1, participated on behalf of Cardiff University in the outreach activity: ’Be A Scientist‘.

The Cardiff Science Festival is a public engagement event that brings science closer to communities by encouraging curiosity, challenging stereotypes, and demonstrating the real-world relevance of scientific research. As part of this event, the outreach stall encouraged visitors to explore Earth Sciences and scientific thinking through interactive resources, including rock and mineral samples, 3D models of the Earth and tectonic plates, simple seismology demonstrations, and science-themed books. The Research Assistant role at this event focused on promoting and discussing with children, books that portray girls interested in science, girls and mothers as scientists and science in general. A glimpse of this activity is presented in Figure 2.

Books selected for this event included ‘Cece Loves Science’ [1], ‘Lift the Flap Questions and Answers About Science’[2], ‘All the Science You Need to Know Before Age 7’[3], ‘A Scientist Like Me’[4], ‘Thinking Like a Scientist’[5], and ‘My Mummy Is a Scientist’[6]. These books were displayed at the stand provided by the organisation to Cardiff University, as depicted in Figure 3. The book ‘Cece Loves Science’[1] introduces experimentation and creativity; ‘Lift the Flap Questions and Answers About Science’[2] promotes interactive discovery; ‘All the Science You Need to Know Before Age 7’[3] provides broad foundational knowledge; ‘A Scientist Like Me’[4] highlights diverse scientific careers; ‘Thinking Like a Scientist’ [5] is a guide to scientific thinking for kids; and ‘My Mummy Is a Scientist’[6] introduces children to a range of Science related careers.

There was engagement across age groups, with around 30 visitors aged 3 to 15. The book ‘Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers About Science’[2], with its interactive format, was the most attractive for visitors. Science festivals demonstrate that scientific thinking is creative, inclusive, and accessible to people of all ages. Using books that portray women as scientists helps attract girls to STEM and challenge stereotypes.

The Cardiff Science Festival is a large‑scale public engagement event bringing together a wide range of interactive activities for families and young people. During the 2026 event, 645 visitors attended across multiple sessions throughout the day, supported by 98 partners, staff, and student volunteers delivering hands‑on activities. Feedback from participants was highly positive, highlighting the value of engaging and inclusive science experiences. The project will continue to participate in public engagement events, including science festivals and community initiatives, to raise awareness of women’s roles in STEM careers among children and adults.

References

1. Derting, K. and S.R. Johannes, Cece Loves Science. Cece Loves Science. 2020: Greenwillow Books.
2. Daynes, K., Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers About Science. International Edition ed. 2017: Usborne Publishing Ltd.
3. Daynes, K., All the Science You Need to Know Before Age 7. 2020: Usborne Publishing Ltd.
4. Somara, S. and C. Coe, A Scientist Like Me. 8th July 2021, London, UK: Wren & Rook, Hachette Children’s Group.
5. Press, N., Thinking Like A Scientist: The Guide To Scientific Thinking For Kids Through The Adventure Of Sofia. 2023, Dunstable, United Kingdom: Independently published.
6. Bryan, K. and J. Bryan, My Mummy is a Scientist. 2016: Butterfly Books.