Within the framework of the European Union co-funded AIRQUEST Project (BSB00168 – Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin), the international STEM Exhibition was successfully held on 20 June 2026 in Varna, Bulgaria, bringing together students, teachers, parents, and project partners from across the Black Sea Basin.
The exhibition marked an important milestone in the project’s awareness-raising activities, which aim to improve environmental literacy and promote innovative thinking on air pollution and sustainability. The AIRQUEST Project focuses on establishing an open-access air quality monitoring system by integrating land-based and satellite-based data while increasing public awareness through educational activities, STEM applications, and digital tools. This objective directly supports climate action and environmental sustainability across the Black Sea region.
A total of 14 student teams participated in the exhibition, representing four project countries: 2 teams from Bulgaria, 3 from Ukraine, 3 from Romania, and 6 from Türkiye (2 from Trabzon and 4 from Zonguldak). In total, the event hosted 47 students and 49 teachers and parents, creating a vibrant international platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
During the exhibition, students presented innovative STEM projects addressing key environmental challenges such as air pollution, climate change, sustainable living, environmental protection, and green technologies. These projects reflected the creativity and scientific engagement of young participants who had been working under the guidance of trained teachers throughout the project period.
Beyond showcasing student achievements, the exhibition provided an opportunity for intercultural exchange and strengthened cooperation among partner institutions from Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Participants had the chance to share experiences, discuss ideas, and explore how science and technology can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.
The successful completion of the AIRQUEST STEM Exhibition once again demonstrated the project’s strong commitment to combining scientific innovation, education, and community involvement in tackling environmental challenges in the Black Sea Basin.