We had the pleasure of hosting a group of middle school students from the San Giuseppe La Salle Institute of Milan, as part of an initiative aimed at helping them choose their high school and university paths.
The meeting took place at Poliedra and offered participants a hands-on experience of what “applied research” really means. Through interactive activities and moments of discussion, the students were able to see how scientific subjects are not only essential for understanding abstract concepts or investigating phenomena, but also for solving real-world problems, supporting public decision-making, and fostering innovation and cooperation with institutional, national, and international stakeholders.
A meaningful part of the event was dedicated to discussing educational choices, with direct experiences from several Poliedra researchers. Their stories—full of aspirations, doubts, fears, and determination—revealed different paths, all united by a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). A strong message emerged: the path to scientific or technical research is open to everyone, even those who, for instance, attend a humanistic high school.
Through hands-on workshops, participants had the opportunity to explore some of the research areas tackled at Poliedra, while also receiving initial feedback on the skills required to work in organizations like ours. It was a stimulating opportunity to learn, reflect, and perhaps begin to dream about their own futures. For Poliedra as well, it was a meaningful moment of exchange and sharing, reaffirming the value of engaging in dialogue with new generations interested in research and innovation.
