The Foundation of the Polish Center for Technology Development was established to bring science closer to people. For several years, it has successfully implemented educational and social projects that inspire curiosity about the world, promote equal opportunities, and demonstrate that hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn. The Foundation’s activities align with the mission of Łukasiewicz – PORT, connecting science with social responsibility and the development of local communities.
Education on Wheels – a mobile laboratory that visits students
Science becomes truly engaging when you can touch it, see the results of your own experiments, and discover answers independently. This belief inspired the project “Education on Wheels”—a mobile laboratory run by the PORT Foundation, which visited schools and kindergartens in Lower Silesia. During the “Liquid Secrets” workshops, children aged 5 to 10 created colorful foam, learned about the properties of liquids, and explored the principles of mixing colors. Wearing lab coats, they took on the role of young scientists, learning through play and experimentation. So far, 251 children from three educational facilities in Wrocław have participated.
“The interest in the workshops was tremendous—schools are already asking about the next edition. For many students, it’s the first opportunity to stand at a real laboratory bench. We see how deeply such experiences engage and inspire them,” says Marek Staniewicz, Director of the Department of the Social Responsibility of Science at Łukasiewicz – PORT, whose team leads the activities.
The Neighborhood Energy Laboratory – science in the service of the local community
An excellent example of successful collaboration between foundations is the “Neighborhood Energy Laboratory” project, carried out in partnership with the ORLEN Foundation under the “Energy of the Neighborhood” program. The goal is to reduce educational disparities through a series of free chemistry workshops for primary school students from municipalities surrounding the ORLEN Fuel Terminal in Wrocław.
In professional laboratories, students from grades I–VIII conduct chemistry experiments designed to help them understand natural phenomena and encourage learning through hands-on activities. The project engages the local community by bringing together children and teachers around the shared idea of learning through experience.
The social responsibility of science
The PORT Foundation is also active in socially oriented initiatives. It co-organized the debate “Neurosociety: Seniors at the Center of Medical Innovation”, held during the Congress of the Polish Neuroscience Society (PTBUN)—one of the most important neuroscience events in Poland.
Scientists, physicians, government representatives, and residents of Lower Silesia took part in the discussion. They addressed neurodegenerative diseases, population aging, and the challenges posed by demographic shifts. The strong interest in the debate demonstrated how necessary such events are and how much hope society places in scientific progress.
Close to science, close to people
As a public benefit organization, the PORT Foundation effectively acquires funding to support its mission, linking the potential of scientists, businesses, and local communities. Its projects show that it is worth nurturing scientific curiosity at any age—and that science can serve as a space for building social bonds and mutual understanding.
