Between July 2024 and June 2025, the Gara OpenLAB project, led by IREC with the support of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), has brought sustainable energy concepts closer to more than 10,000 people across Catalonia.

The initiative has included interactive kits, training sessions for teachers, educational guides, an itinerant exhibition and participation in public events. In total, 32 schools from the four Catalan provinces have taken part, reaching 700 students and training 59 teachers to continue working on energy sustainability in their classrooms.

The travelling exhibition “Gara and the energy around us” has attracted over 8,200 visitors, while another 1,300 people have discovered the project through science fairs and outreach events.

The interactive kits—designed to explore key topics like energy efficiency, thermal comfort and air quality—have enabled students and families to experience sustainable energy solutions first-hand, including in rural areas.

Gara OpenLAB has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of local councils, educational networks and organisations like Fundació Catalana de la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRi), Institut Català d’Energia (ICAEN), Associació de Micropobles de Catalunya and Paeria de Balaguer.

By opening up research and science to the community, Gara OpenLAB supports public participation and awareness, inspiring new generations to play an active role in the energy transition.

We have launched a press-release of the project in Catalan (CAT) and Spanish (ES):

Acknowledgements (in Spanish): Gara OpenLAB (FCT-23-19465) cuenta con la colaboración de la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología – Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades.