Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) Hosts Study Visit for Connecting Girls to STEM Project

In a bid to foster the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Connecting Girls to STEM project recently organised its third mobility in Gran Canary, Spain. A key highlight was a comprehensive study visit to the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). This visit proved to be an enlightening experience for the 20 participants hailing from the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, providing them with invaluable insights into marine sciences and technologies.

At PLOCAN, participants were immersed in a world of cutting-edge research and innovation to address pressing ocean science challenges and socio-economic needs. They were introduced to PLOCAN’s mission of providing cost-effective services such as housing, operations, data access, and multipurpose offshore platform utilisation. Moreover, the vision to become a world-class test bed for accelerating the development of sustainable technologies resonated deeply with the project’s objective of empowering young women to contribute actively to the advancement of STEM fields.

During the visit, participants were exposed to many biodiversity-related projects, including initiatives focused on ecosystem conservation, renewable energies, and blue economy development. PLOCAN’s commitment to spearheading advancements in marine observation techniques, green hydrogen deployment, and women’s empowerment in the blue economy left a lasting impression on the attendees. Through engaging sessions on data collection, climate tracking, and alternative energy projects across the island, the study visit at PLOCAN catalysed the next generation of female STEM leaders to innovate and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

More information https://plocan.eu/en