Explorers Of The Future Program Celebrates Its Fifth Year!

For the past four years, the Explorers Of The Future Program has brought together high school students from across Türkiye to explore science, biotechnology, discovery, and innovation. Now in its fifth year, the program once again invites young people to become Explorers Of The Future.

In collaboration with the learning initiative Bilim Virüsü, we set out with the motto, “To make sense of today, we look to the future through the values of the past.” We draw inspiration from the inventors and pioneers whose discoveries have shaped and transformed the world—in other words, the “Explorers Of The Future.”

Over the past four years, the Explorers Of The Future Program has offered comprehensive learning modules featuring workshops, webinars, and curated content to visionary high school students aged 15–18 from across Türkiye. Designed for young people who believe in science, have an entrepreneurial mindset, and possess 21st-century skills, the program aims to foster creative perspectives, empower participants to lead change, raise awareness of scientific thinking, introduce them to the world of technology, and build their capabilities in biotechnology.

In its fifth year, the program invites high school students to free online workshops held each month. Centered on the learning modules’ main themes, the workshops cover a range of topics and are designed and delivered by expert facilitators.

Following the workshops, participants will take part in Digital Content Workshops, where they can experience learning, creating, and growing stronger together. The content they produce is planned to be published in the Explorers Of The Future Magazine, which will launch for the first time this year.

At the end of each module, participants will join a webinar led by biotechnology professionals and hear about their career journeys in the field. Through modules inspired by the Explorers Of The Future, young people will deepen their knowledge of topics they are curious about and eager to explore and discuss, taking another step toward becoming Explorers Of The Future themselves. Participants who successfully complete a module will receive a certificate of participation.

DETAILED INFORMATION & APPLICATION

The Journey of Biotechnology Module Inspired by Dorothy Hodgkin

Dorothy Hodgkin, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964, was one of the most influential British chemists and crystallographers of the 20th century. Using X-ray crystallography, she made major contributions to determining the structures of biological molecules. Among her most notable achievements were determining the structures of vitamin B12 and insulin. Her work marked a groundbreaking advance in medical research and drug development.

Inspired by Dorothy Hodgkin’s perseverance and passion, the Journey of Biotechnology Module aims to help young people explore biotechnology’s impact on life and examine the relationship between science, ethics, and technology from multiple perspectives. Participants will also discover the many fields in which biotechnology is used and explore its evolution and future potential.

• The World of Biotechnology
• Bioethics and the Future of Biotechnology
• Social Innovation in Health and Life Technologies
• From Biotechnology to Civilization

Digital Skills and Technology Module Inspired by Nicholas Negroponte

Known for his pioneering work on the digital revolution and the role of technology in social transformation, Nicholas Negroponte championed the integration of technology into education and social development. Through his innovative perspective, he highlighted the importance of critical thinking and creative problem-solving in the digital world.

Inspired by Nicholas Negroponte’s visionary perspective on the present and the future, the Digital Skills and Technology Module aims to help young people understand digital transformation, expand their knowledge of technology and innovation, and build their capabilities in artificial intelligence and data literacy.

• Digital Transformation and the New World
• Technology and Innovation
• Data Literacy
• Artificial Intelligence and Next-Generation Technologies

Scientific Thinking Module Inspired by Nancy Grace Roman

Known as the “Mother of Hubble,” Nancy Grace Roman established NASA’s space astronomy program and played a major role in planning the Hubble Space Telescope. She made fundamental observations of the structure of the Milky Way. In recognition of her contributions to astronomy, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope was renamed the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in 2020, securing her place in history.

Inspired by Nancy Grace Roman’s visionary spirit, the Scientific Thinking Module aims to help young people explore the world of science, strengthen their scientific thinking skills, and draw on their creativity and imagination.

• The World of Science
• Inquiry and Curiosity
• Creativity and Imagination
• Philosophy of Science