25 Years of INGV's Education and Outreach: Bridging Science and Society

Over the past 25 years, the science outreach activities of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) have evolved from individual efforts by scientists into organized initiatives led by teams at INGV. These efforts aim to enhance public understanding of the importance of geosciences and to promote a culture of prevention. Outreach efforts target schools and the general public through a range of activities, including guided laboratory visits, participation in national and international events, and the development of multimedia educational tools. An overview of our key activities is presented here, highlighting the role of geoscience in education and emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with an understanding of Earth system complexities. The overview also offers valuable perspectives on fostering children’s awareness of geoethics to prepare them to address global challenges. In particular, the project with schools is one of the longest-running initiatives of the INGV Third Mission activities and has had a significant impact on local communities. Over the years, we have welcomed thousands of students, highlighting the importance of initiatives dedicated to schools, which are a strategic sector for the dissemination of geosciences. Regarding selected outreach initiatives, we have conducted impact evaluation analyses to monitor efficacy and better refine our actions. Finally, in addition to the school project, a notable initiative includes an annual drawing competition for primary school students, which has collected over 35,000 drawings. This extensive dataset provides a unique opportunity to analyze how children’s perceptions of geoscientific subjects have evolved over time.