The Natural History Museum in Heraklion came alive on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as 40 secondary education from 18 different schools and the Heraklion Science Labs Centers (EKFE) gathered for the inaugural “Youth for Diagnostics” educational event. This first-of-its-kind initiative invites students to step into the role of scientists, promoting their active involvement in real research efforts through the growing field of Citizen Science.

Empowering Students Through Citizen Science

“Youth for Diagnostics” is part of the first organized Citizen Science program based in Heraklion, Crete. Its mission is to empower citizen-scientists, students, educators, and community members, to contribute meaningfully to scientific research by collecting, processing, or analyzing real-world data.

Through the initiative, students are encouraged to use their creativity and scientific curiosity to develop innovative diagnostic tools and to support research addressing environmental and public health challenges. Their core task: contribute to the development of a diagnostic tool capable of detecting microorganisms in water.

A DxHub Center of Excellence Initiative

The initiative is implemented through the DxHub Program, a European Center of Excellence coordinated by Professor Electra Gizeli. Funded by Horizon Europe, DxHub focuses on designing innovative, user-friendly, and cost-efficient diagnostic devices for point-of-care use.

By combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics under the STEAM model, DxHub equips students with valuable knowledge in water microbiology and hands-on experience using field-deployable diagnostic technologies. At the same time, it raises awareness of pressing public health issues particularly the need for rapid, reliable detection of pathogens in the environment.

A Collaborative Effort Across Institutions

The event was co-organized by: the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the University of Crete, the Technical Schools of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce (KEK), the Natural History Museum, the Region of Crete, the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

The day opened with welcoming remarks by Ms. Eleni Maraki-Beladaki, Regional Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning.

A series of presentations followed, starting with Dr. Angie Kolokousi, Head of the DxHub Management Team, who introduced the goals of DxHub and highlighted the program’s collaborative model with citizen-scientists. Additional insightful talks were delivered by Dr. Iasmi Stathi, Dr. Katerina Tsilipounidaki, Dr. Antonis Papadakis, and Ms. Carolina Mariano from NOVA University Lisbon. The event concluded with presentations by Markella Splinaki and Panagiotis Georgantis.

Preparing the Next Generation of Innovators

“Youth for Diagnostics” is one of several Citizen Science actions powered by the DxHub Center of Excellence. DxHub’s broader mission is to develop rapid, sensitive, and affordable diagnostic solutions capable of detecting pathogens directly in the field. These innovations support early disease detection, strengthen public preparedness, and help protect society from emerging health threats, including future pandemics.

Adopting the One Health approach, DxHub works across human health, veterinary science, agriculture, and the environment, areas where fast, accessible diagnostics can create immediate impact. By integrating advanced technologies with hands-on learning opportunities, the program nurtures the next generation of scientists, innovators, and socially engaged citizens.