The IEEC hosts two high school students through the ‘Youth and Science’ programme
Caption: Student Anna Martínez with the team at the Montsec Observatory (OdM).
Credits: OdM.
Last summer, the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) hosted two high school students in a stay that has immersed them fully in the daily life of a research team. The initiative corresponds to the second phase of the programme to promote scientific vocations ‘Youth and Science’, organised by the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation.
The Montsec Observatory (OdM), managed by the IEEC and located in Sant Esteve de la Sarga (Pallars Jussà), has hosted the student Anna Martínez. During her stay, she worked on the analysis of sky quality data and was able to learn more about the operation of the Joan Oró Telescope (TJO).
On the other hand, the Supernovae and Stellar Transients group, from the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC), received Joan Alcaide. The student was able to learn about how type Ia supernovae serve as distance indicators in space. “We will be able to use the work Joan has done in our research,” says Lluís Galbany, principal investigator of the group.
These stays, in addition to providing valuable technical learning, also develop skills that are very present in research, such as communication, collaboration and decision-making. As Gemma Domènech, support and operations astronomer at the OdM, points out, “it is a very relevant initiative because there are not many opportunities for young people in research centres.”
Last summer, the IEEC also accompanied ten young people from 4th ESO in the first phase of the Youth and Science programme, held at the MónNatura Pirineus centre. Students learned firsthand the world of space and satellites with various activities led by experts. Next summer, these students will have the opportunity to join a research team to precisely continue with the second phase of the programme. Then, in the third and final phase, the students will look for a research project that matches their preferences at a research centre or in an international science programme.
Caption: Student Joan Alcaide joined the Supernovae and stellar transients group, led by Lluís Galbany.
Credits: ICE-CSIC.