ZAGREB, 9 April (Hina) - The fifth MUZZA Science Week, running from 9 to 12 April in Zagreb, will feature more than 160 workshops, over 100 interactive activities and lectures by 44 exhibitors, aimed at boosting interest in STEM and encouraging critical thinking among young people.

The fully interactive programme includes experiments, workshops, panels and lectures covering topics from artificial intelligence to future energy. Around 50 schools from across Croatia are set to attend, with some 15,000 visitors expected, organisers said.

A key highlight is the “Farm = 0 kW powered by Siemens Energy” project, a competition in which secondary school students tackle real-world challenges in energy and sustainability.

A new addition this year is the “Girls in Science” programme, designed to empower girls by introducing them to role models in STEM and helping reduce the gender gap in science and technology.

The Defence Ministry and Croatian Armed Forces will also take part, presenting military training, study programmes and career opportunities. Visitors will be able to experience a fighter jet cockpit via VR headsets, while additional activities include a photo booth and children’s entertainment.

MUZZA association president Đurđica Protić said the aim is to inspire children to take an interest in science, noting that “knowledge is best acquired through experience”.

More than 40,000 visitors have taken part in MUZZA projects so far, with over 150 STEM education programmes held annually and more than 400 students attending the MUZZA STEM Academy each year.

The project brings together academia, institutions and leading companies, with the University of Zagreb as the main partner, under the auspices of the Croatian government, the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, and the City of Zagreb. Admission is free.