- Theme
- European Atlas of the Seas
On 14 March (3.14), people across the world will be celebrating π (pi) Day, International Day of Mathematics! This year, the theme ‘Mathematics and Hope’ shows mathematics as a universal language that inspires understanding, cooperation and optimism in tackling humanity’s shared challenges. Celebrating this day reminds us that we can find mathematics in science and technology, in the organisation of our societies and even in our daily lives. Mathematics promises to be vital in today’s challenges around artificial intelligence, climate change, energy and sustainable development. [1]
What do you like about science? Is it perhaps understanding how clouds are formed, developing your own application, identifying plant species, or are you curious to know how biodiversity on earth responds to climate change?
Excitement is exactly what Science is Wonderful! is all about. Science is Wonderful! Is a science fair that celebrates science in all its diversity, happening from 18 to 20 March 2026 in Brussels (Belgium). It welcomes people of all ages and walks of life. Researchers make their way to Brussels to showcase their work through interactive experiments, hands-on activities, science shows, games and quizzes. [2]
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) covers education that drives innovation and addresses global challenges. Why is it important? Science education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, equips individuals to tackle complex issues, and contributes to sustainable development. [3]
Education goes beyond formal instruction in a typical classroom (schools and universities) context. It concerns people of all ages, nationalities, cultural backgrounds and professions. It is also community engagement and self-directed study. How would you define education? According to UNESCO, education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and attitudes through various forms of learning. [4]
The European Atlas of the Seas is an education tool. With its catalogue of over 270 map layers covering a large range of marine topics, everyone can easily learn about the ocean, seas and coasts. It is also possible to create your own maps! The European Atlas of the Seas also supports education through the Teachers’ Corner, filled with games, presentations, quizzes and more! How well do you know the Atlas? Learn more on the Maritime Forum or via the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) Portal.
In addition, with the Atlas’ Maps of the Week, you can learn about a variety of topics. A new topic is addressed every week and makes it possible to explore a map that helps you understand the broader context. This week, you can learn about the Network of European Blue Schools, one of the three communities of the EU4Ocean Coalition. Explore the map and click on the symbols to learn more about the blue schools and what they do.
Curious about the topics covered in this Map of the Week?
- Read on the UNESCO International Day of Mathematics page examples of how mathematics is integrated in science and technology, the organisation of our society and our daily lives;
- Find out about events organised across the world to celebrate International Day of Mathematics (IDM);
- Browse the booth catalogue of the Science is Wonderful! fair to learn about a wide range of scientific topics and find the booths about the ocean.
Wish to engage?
- If you are in Brussels next week, visit the Science is Wonderful! science fair;
- Discover how to become a European Blue School and apply before 30 May 2026;
- Learn about upcoming events organised by the BlueLightS project.
The data in the map is provided by the Network of European Blue Schools.
The European Atlas of the Seas is powered by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). Don’t miss the latest news, register for the monthly EMODnet News Digest.
[1] https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mathematics?hub=66672
[2] https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/science-is-wonderful/science-is-wonderful
[3] https://www.unesco.org/en/query-list/s/science-education