Despite the urgent need for green and digital transformation, the European Union (EU) continues to face a persistent skills gap and a lack of human resources trained in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Low enrolment rates in STEM study programs result in a pressing challenge of the EU’s lack of skilled professionals necessary for economic growth, according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project “Navigating STEM Waters – a Map for 2030”, funded by the European Social Fund, addresses this challenge by promoting STEM education as a catalyst for achieving multiple SDGs, especially SDG 4 – quality education, SDG 13- climate action, and SDG 14 – life below water. This initiative strengthens the impact and collaboration of the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science of the University of Split (UNIST) with the local community in human resources development, with a focus on STEM fields.
