The aim of this initiative is to engage students to become active critical thinkers and skilled debaters. Each school can nominate one student. Participating students are given a pre-arranged document containing reports, audio-visual materials and policies on the theme to help them set their arguments.  Such documents contain national, European and International positions/ opinions on the theme.

Through effective participation in the debate, students:

• verify the value of evidence for concepts;
• recognize strengths and weaknesses of arguments;
• engage with opposing views and speak strategically.

The debate is moderated by a professional capable of keeping a dynamic discussion both informative and engaging as well as being proficient in the subject of the theme. A team of professionals will adjudicate each event using a set of criteria.

For a successful event, partnerships have been formed with local banks, the industry sector, museums, national entities as well as non-governmental organisations. The Science centre partners sponsor this event by hosting the Thematic STEM debate, providing an adjudicator or financing the awards.

Three winners for the Top Debater Award are announced during a short award ceremony at the end of the debate.