The 2025 Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement has been awarded to the Red de Estudiantes Colombianos en Astronomía (RECA) Educación, a distinguished Colombian non-profit organization dedicated to science outreach, particularly in astronomy and planetary science. RECA Educación has distinguished itself through its innovative approach to science communication, focusing on underserved and remote communities in Colombia where access to formal science education is often limited. This recognition not only highlights the group’s commitment to expanding scientific literacy but also underscores the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive educational practices within the field of planetary science.
At the Europlanet Science Congress and American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Science joint meeting (EPSC-DPS2025) held in Helsinki, Finland, RECA Educación representatives Laura Ramirez Galeano and Natalia Oliveros were presented with this prestigious award, accompanied by a €1000 cash prize. Their acceptance of the award during the congress opening ceremony served as a powerful symbol of how grassroots scientific initiatives can make a significant impact on a national and international level. Such engagement efforts foster stronger connections between professional scientists and the broader public—a core objective of the Europlanet Society.
The work of RECA Educación is particularly notable given Colombia’s complex geographical and socio-economic landscape, which presents unique challenges for equitable science education outreach. Remote rural communities often face structural barriers that limit access to scientific resources and educational opportunities. By leveraging digital platforms and creative outreach strategies, RECA Educación bridges this gap, delivering high-quality astronomy content tailored to diverse audiences, including young students and regional communities seldom reached by traditional science programs.
Founded in 2012, the overarching RECA network was initially established to connect Colombian astronomy students both domestically and abroad, fostering a collaborative scientific community aimed at advancing astronomy research and education across the country. The specialized educational branch, RECA Educación, was later launched in 2021 to spearhead targeted public engagement initiatives. This evolution demonstrates a strategic approach: empowering future professionals while concurrently cultivating public interest and understanding in planetary sciences and astronomy.
One of RECA Educación’s flagship initiatives, “La Astronomía va a tu colegio” (Astronomy Talks in Your School), exemplifies their hands-on approach to embedding astronomy in school curricula. This program combines virtual lectures and interactive experiences, providing a scalable model for remote outreach. Another innovative project involves remote telescope observations in partnership with Shadow the Scientists, which uses virtual platforms to connect students directly with real-time astronomical data, thereby enlivening the scientific process and fostering a deeper appreciation for empirical inquiry.
Equally impactful are RECA Educación’s efforts to engage young learners through artistic and narrative forms. Drawing contests and the BARCO (Bringing Astronomy to Rural Communities) program emphasize accessibility and creativity as catalytic tools for science communication. Their multifaceted approach accommodates various learning styles and cultural contexts, enhancing both comprehension and engagement. By incorporating local languages and culturally relevant storytelling, these programs reinforce inclusivity and community ownership over scientific knowledge.
Driven largely by a vibrant cohort of young scientists and astronomy students, the RECA team demonstrates a passion not only for the sciences but also for democratizing access to scientific knowledge. These volunteers often operate with limited resources, designing experiments and educational materials feasible for use in both home and classroom settings. The adaptability of their methodologies exemplifies how resource constraints can spur innovation in educational outreach, yielding formats that are replicable and sustainable over time.
In a statement upon receiving the prize, Laura Ramirez Galeano expressed profound gratitude, highlighting how the award validates the group’s mission to reach communities frequently overlooked in the national science ecosystem. This acknowledgment from Europlanet enhances RECA Educación’s visibility and credibility, catalyzing additional support and momentum for their initiatives. The recognition also signals to the international community the necessity of inclusive science education efforts that prioritize equity and social impact.
Looking forward, RECA Educación plans to leverage the Europlanet Prize funding toward the distribution of “Salomé,” an educational comic series designed to introduce children to the concepts of exoplanets and the scientific method through engaging visual storytelling. This initiative merges scientific rigor with creative pedagogy, aiming to lower barriers to understanding complex planetary science themes. Complementary workshops will also be developed to train educators in effectively incorporating the comic into their teaching practice, thereby expanding its reach and reinforcing its educational value.
The significance of this prize extends beyond its monetary value; it represents a validation of the ethos that astronomy education should be universally accessible, transcending socioeconomic and geographic boundaries. In championing volunteer-driven, culturally attuned science communication, RECA Educación exemplifies a new paradigm for public engagement that inspires future generations of scientists and informed citizens alike. Their continued success showcases how grassroots initiatives can amplify the impact of planetary science education on both local and global scales.
Through proactive collaboration with international partners and integration of innovative communication technologies, RECA Educación is setting benchmarks for science outreach in Latin America. Their work illustrates the potential of scientific communities to act as inclusive networks that nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and empowerment among youth. This model not only strengthens Colombia’s scientific infrastructure but also contributes valuable lessons to the broader discourse on equitable science education worldwide.
Ultimately, the awarding of the Europlanet Prize to RECA Educación resonates as a celebration of resilience, ingenuity, and dedication. It affirms the notion that meaningful public engagement requires both scientific excellence and heartfelt commitment to cultural inclusivity. As planetary science continues to explore new frontiers beyond our solar system, parallel efforts to democratize science education are vital in ensuring diverse voices and communities are inspired and prepared to participate in the unfolding cosmic journey.
Subject of Research: Public Engagement and Educational Outreach in Astronomy and Planetary Science
Article Title: RECA Educación Honored with 2025 Europlanet Prize for Transformative Astronomy Outreach in Colombia
News Publication Date: 2025
Web References:
- Europlanet Prize Official Announcement: https://mediasvc.eurekalert.org/Api/v1/Multimedia/6ea20ffd-4057-4b89-b7bf-9de8ae0f25d7/Rendition/low-res/Content/Public
Image Credits: Europlanet
Keywords: Planetary science, Educational programs, Scientific community, South America, Science communication
