RoboSTEAM Academy brings together schools, universities, libraries and research organisations to develop STEAM skills

Brănești, Ilfov County, 16–17 April 2026

The “Cezar Nicolau” Technical High School in Brănești hosted, on 16–17 April 2026, the transnational working meeting organised as part of the Erasmus+ project ROBO STEAM ACADEMY (2024-1-BG01-KA220-VET-000256580), bringing together experts in education, research and innovation from Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia to contribute to the development of new learning models based on robotics and STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics).

The event brought together representatives from the “Cezar Nicolau” Technological High School in Brănești, the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (IICT-BAS), Bulgaria; CIIT EOOD, Bulgaria; the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia; the Secondary Electrical Engineering School in Prešov, , Slovakia; and the National Association of Librarians and Public Libraries in Romania (ANBPR), Romania, thereby strengthening a European partnership dedicated to modernising vocational and technical education.

Over the course of the two working days, participants undertook a series of practical activities focused on developing the project’s work packages. The programme included a presentation of the school and its modern educational infrastructure, a tour of the laboratories and workshops, testing the functionality of the robots built as part of the project, working sessions focused on developing the project’s deliverables (WP2–WP6), as well as sessions to review and evaluate the progress made.

A particularly well-received part of the meeting was the presentation given by Dragoș-Adrian Neagu, director of the ‘Panait Istrati’ County Library in Brăila and representative of the ANBPR, which focused on the experience of MakerSpace Brăila, one of the most notable examples in Romania of the integration of the STEAM concept into the services offered by public libraries.

The presentation illustrated how a public library can become a genuine hands-on learning laboratory, where technology, creativity and experimentation contribute to the development of the community’s digital and technical skills. Participants learnt about the development of MakerSpace Brăila, from needs analysis and investment planning to the provision of 3D printers, CNC machines, 3D scanners, laser equipment and Arduino robotics kits, as well as the organisation of clubs for robotics, electronics, programming and 3D modelling. The example set by the Brăila County Library highlighted the increasingly important role of libraries as spaces for innovation and interdisciplinary learning, capable of complementing formal education and facilitating communities’ access to emerging technologies and educational experiences relevant to the digital economy. The MakerSpace model generated a valuable dialogue among the project partners on STEAM-related topics.

At the same time, the meeting in Brănești provided the ideal setting for the exchange of best practices regarding the integration of robotics and STEAM education into vocational and technical education. Discussions focused on developing an innovative educational toolkit, adapting the curriculum to the requirements of the digital economy, utilising emerging technologies in the educational process, and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions, the research community and the business sector in the partner countries. Another point of interest was the collaboration with Măgurele Science Park, through the promotion of the Smart Lab initiatives and strategic partnerships dedicated to the digital transformation of education.

The atmosphere of the meeting was open, dynamic and collaborative. The ongoing dialogue between teachers, researchers, technology specialists and library representatives generated numerous ideas for developing innovative educational experiences based on creativity, project-based learning and the smart use of technology.

By organising this international meeting, the “Cezar Nicolau” Technological High School has reaffirmed its role as an active player in European networks dedicated to education and vocational training, demonstrating that international partnerships are an essential tool for developing the skills needed by future generations. At the same time, the ROBO STEAM ACADEMY project confirms that the education of the future is built on collaboration, innovation and openness to the community.

In the words of Marinela Culea, headteacher of the “Cezar Nicolau” Technical High School: “ROBO STEAM ACADEMY is not just a project, but a statement of vision. Together with our European partners, we are building an education system that inspires, develops real skills and offers pupils the chance to become the professionals of the future. In Brănești, education means courage, innovation and openness to the world.”

About the project: ROBO STEAM ACADEMY is a project funded through the Erasmus+ programme, Key Action KA220-VET, which aims to develop innovative educational resources for integrating robotics and STEAM concepts into vocational and technical education. The project promotes collaboration between schools, universities, research organisations and libraries to develop the digital, technical and creative skills required for a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.