The European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) and PlasticsEurope have joined forces to promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in Europe. They have launched a new series of European Youth Debating Competitions (www.eydc.eu) throughout nine European countries, with a grand finale to be held in Budapest in early October 2016, at the 50th EPCA Annual Meeting.
The organisers aim at promoting sciences and sustainability – two key ingredients for the future of both industry sectors and the overall competitiveness of the European Union.
Already between 2007 and 2012, a series of debating competitions for young students had been very successfully organized by the plastics manufacturers in 20 cities throughout Europe. This time, young students aged 16 to 19 will get the chance to debate on chemistry related issues around the overarching theme "50 years of chemical industry. What’s next?” The debates will all follow the same standardized formula at national and European level.
The national competitions will be held in:
• Belgium
• Croatia, Zagreb on 29 April
• France
• Germany
• Italy, Milan on 27 May
• the Netherlands
• Poland
• Spain, Tarragona on 5 May
• the United Kingdom