Last Friday, our project celebrated a Citizen Science Congress, bringing together more than 200 students from different secondary schools across Catalonia. During the event, students presented the work they had been developing over the past few months on topics related to vaccination and infectious diseases. The congress was held at the CosmoCaixa science museum, with the support of “la Caixa” Foundation, providing an inspiring environment for scientific exchange and learning.

Throughout the project, students explored a wide range of issues connected to public health and disease prevention. Students investigated the social and cultural factors that can influence vaccine hesitancy within their local communities, analysing why some people may be reluctant to get vaccinated. In response, some groups designed informative talks or brochures that were distributed within their schools to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and how they help protect communities from infectious diseases.  In addition, other groups carried out experiments to better understand how physical distance between individuals can affect the transmission of pathogens.

The second part of the congress featured a round-table discussion with researchers involved in the project. This session gave students the opportunity to ask questions about the research carried out within the project, as well as broader questions related to science, infectious diseases, and scientific careers. The discussion encouraged dialogue between students and researchers and helped students gain a deeper understanding of how science is conducted in real-world settings.

The congress provided an important opportunity to reflect on the role of vaccination in protecting public health, the transmission of infectious diseases, and the importance of the One Health approach, which highlights the close connection between human, animal, and environmental health. Overall, the event showcased the value of citizen science, and the active role young people can play in promoting scientific awareness and community health.