INL’s Commitment to Science Outreach: New Board Games Illuminate Nanosafety and Air Quality Awareness for Young Audiences

INL – The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory continues to champion science outreach and education by introducing two innovative board games: The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials and Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN. These games, developed through INL’s projects—SiNfONiA, LEARN, and SbDToolbox—reflect INL’s enduring commitment to bridging the gap between complex scientific research and accessible learning for younger audiences and by it’s commitment to science outreach by illuminating nano safety and air quality awareness for young audiences.

These games embody INL’s goal of making science both engaging and educational, fostering a new generation’s awareness of environmental safety, health, and nanotechnology’s impact on daily life. Through these immersive tools, INL emphasises that scientific understanding is not only the domain of researchers but also a vital area of knowledge for the broader community.

“The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials“, Bringing Awareness of Materials’ Lifetime

Supported solely by INL through the SiNfONiA and SbDToolbox projects, The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials board game provides players with a comprehensive understanding of nanomaterials’ journey from creation to potential environmental and health impacts. SiNfONiA, spearheaded by the Alfaro-Moreno Group, is dedicated to advancing research in nanosafety and enhancing INL’s capabilities in this field. In parallel, the SbDToolbox project addresses the critical need for data on nanomaterials’ unique properties, especially in health, food, and environmental contexts. Together, these projects contribute to The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials game’s mission to translate complex nanosafety concepts into an interactive experience, where players can understand how nanomaterials interact with our surroundings and the importance of responsible handling and safety protocols throughout their lifecycle.

“Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN“, Fostering Air Quality Awareness in Schools

The Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN board game, inspired by the collaborative efforts of the LEARN project consortium—which includes institutions such as VUB, FI Group, KU Leuven, and MANN+HUMMEL—introduces children to the importance of indoor air quality and its impact on health and cognition. Available in multiple languages—including English, Danish, Dutch, Greek, and Portuguese—the game educates children aged 9-12 on identifying common pollutants in classrooms and understanding their effects.

By engaging students in collaborative gameplay, Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN empowers them with actionable knowledge. Through role-play scenarios, they explore ways to mitigate indoor air pollution, reinforcing habits that can contribute to healthier learning environments. The game’s widespread adoption by Hasselt University, Aarhus University, and ENVIROMETRICS in Belgium, Denmark, and Greece exemplifies the consortium’s shared commitment to fostering environmental awareness and education among young learners.

Reinforcing INL’s Science Outreach Commitment

These two board games represent INL’s broader commitment to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles, focusing on making science accessible, understandable, and impactful for society. By connecting young learners with critical environmental topics in a hands-on way, INL demonstrates its role as a leader in science communication, paving the way for a future where scientific literacy is foundational for all.

Recently, INL showcased these games at the European Researchers’ Night 2024, where they were met with enthusiastic reception and engagement from participants of all ages, underscoring the games’ success in reaching a wider audience.

Through these initiatives, INL reinforces its position as a pivotal force in promoting scientific knowledge, building awareness, and inspiring action for a sustainable future.

Text and Photography by Gina Palha, Communication, Conferences & Marketing Officer