Microfluidic chips manufactured at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (AYBU) Microfabrication and Biosensor Laboratory contributed to engaging children and young people with science at the SCIENCE4ALL Science Festival, hosted by Istinye University and supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
As part of the festival, the “Find the Flow! Microchip Workshop” introduced participants to microfluidic technologies through hands-on activities. The workshop brought scientific research conducted at the university and the technologies developed in its laboratories beyond the laboratory environment, making them accessible to children and young people.
The SCIENCE4ALL project was carried out under the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Çakır Hatır from Istinye University. The festival brought together participants from different age groups with scientists and researchers and featured numerous activities designed to provide hands-on scientific experiences.
The “Find the Flow! Microchip Workshop” was led by Necla Yücel Ayten, a researcher at the AYBU Microfabrication and Biosensor Laboratory, which operates under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma Doğan Güzel. The microfluidic chips produced in AYBU laboratories were used as educational materials not only to demonstrate scientific research but also to share scientific knowledge with society and introduce young people to emerging technologies.
During the workshop, participants directly observed how liquids of different colours flowed through tiny channels inside the microchips. The fundamental working principles of microfluidic systems were explained through practical demonstrations and examples from everyday life. Participants thus had the opportunity to handle advanced microchip technologies, conduct experiments and closely observe how these systems operate.
The event represented an important example of science–society engagement by bringing scientific knowledge and technologies developed at AYBU to children and young people beyond the university, supporting access to science and promoting hands-on science education. It aimed to foster curiosity about science and technology among children and young people and encourage them to engage with a culture of research from an early age.
Related Sustainable Development Goal:
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Indicator 4.3.4 – Community outreach and outreach activities
