Over 100 Students Engage in Andorra's 25th Science Day Focused on Food Science

More than 100 students participated in Andorra's 25th Science Day, organised by the Ministry of Institutional Relations, Education and Universities to foster scientific reflection among young people. Held on Thursday and centred on food from scientific, educational, and social viewpoints, the event drew 108 pupils and 11 teachers from the Escola Andorrana de Batxillerat, Colegio Español María Moliner, Lycée Comte de Foix, and Col·legi Sant Ermengol.

The initiative sought to energise science subjects in batxillerat—such as biology, mathematics, and chemistry—while encouraging collaboration and pedagogical exchanges across Andorra's three education systems.

Activities kicked off at the Centre de Formació Professional with an opening by Minister Ladislau Baró. This was followed by a presentation of the workshops and a lecture from scientist and communicator José Miguel Mulet titled *Biotecnologia en el menjar*. Mulet discussed biotechnology's historical role in food production, genetically modified organisms, and emerging scientific challenges in food manufacturing.

Participants then engaged in six practical workshops. Mathematics sessions used educational games to explore probability, informed decision-making, body mass index, and factors influencing healthy eating habits. Biology activities delved into food motivations, the gut microbiome, and intolerance mechanisms—like lactose and gluten—through experiments and role-playing linked to long-term health. Chemistry workshops examined food industry processes, including gelification and spherification, vitamin C degradation under various conditions, and caramel composition via molecular models and lab work.

The event will conclude at 7:30pm in MoraBanc's auditorium with Mulet's public lecture *Per què mengem el que mengem?*, tracing food's history, culture, and societal ties, followed by closing remarks from State Secretary for Education and Universities Josep Anton Bardina.