Unique research environment at Sweden's National Science Centre.
Universeum offers an internationally unique research arena for the study of informal learning and science communication. With over 500,000 visitors annually, varied learning environments and target groups from preschool children to seniors, there are optimal conditions for practice-based research on how people learn science, technology and mathematics outside the classroom.
Universeum's unique mix of learning environments makes it possible to study interdisciplinary learning in real-world situations – from how children explore rainforest ecosystems to how adults interact with complex data. Researchers can observe and analyse spontaneous learning situations that arise when visitors encounter science on their own terms.
Since 2021, structured research has been conducted at Universeum in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology. Professor Lena Pareto leads research on the mechanisms behind experiential learning and has developed a didactic model that explains the science center's unique educational potential. In parallel, visiting researcher Ulrika Sultan from Chalmers investigates how learning situations can be made more inclusive and strengthen visitors' technical identity, especially for underrepresented groups.
Professor Lena Pareto maps the power of informal learning.
Lena Pareto, Professor of Education at the University of Gothenburg, has been leading groundbreaking research on informal learning at Universeum since 2021. Her most important contribution is the development of a didactic model that explains how experiential learning at science centers works.
The model shows why even short experiences – such as a visit to Universeum or participation in the Science Club – can have a lasting effect on people's scientific capital. This is crucial knowledge for understanding and maximizing the societal benefit of science centers.
Her research also includes studies of visitor flows, special education applications and evaluation of learning environments such as Miniverseum and programs such as TellUs.
Kristin Viktorsson
Ulrika Sultan builds bridges for inclusive technology.
In the summer of 2025, a new two-year research initiative was launched in which Chalmers, the University of Gothenburg and Universeum collaborate to strengthen the link between research and society. The initiative focuses on inclusive STEM education and how science centers can contribute to broader recruitment to the technology sector. The established visiting researcher position is held by Ulrika Sultan. With a background from Örebro University and expertise in technology interest from a gender perspective, she focuses on how science centers can make technology more accessible to everyone.
Her research examines in particular how Universeum and other science centers can strengthen visitors' technical identity and sense of belonging in a technological world. This is critical for broadening the recruitment base for the STEM sector and meeting Sweden's skills needs.
Research builds bridges between academia, the general public and the problem solvers of the future. "We need to act, not just analyse," Sultan states about his assignment within the framework of the "Research in Practice" initiative.
News from the researchers.
From research to practice.
Our researchers explore how experiential learning builds scientific capital and creates lasting engagement in science and technology. The insights are continuously translated into practical improvements. The didactic model for experiential learning has been implemented and the studies of visitor flows have led to an understanding of how we can maximize both engagement and learning.