The annual tradition was a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, also known as “STEAM,” events.
SAN DIEGO — People fill Petco Park for the first weekend of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. The annual tradition was a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, also known as “STEAM,” events.
“It’s so important to start this educational journey for them when they are young, to kind of spark this first level of interest” Annie Warner, a development associate with Generation STEAM, said.
The event not only exposes children to the world of science, but there are also college and career connections. Middle and high school students had the opportunity to meet with over 20 higher education partners, including San Diego State University.
Panels were held with college students as well.
“I’m sharing my story with other students about how I got into research as an undergraduate and how I wanted to pursue a future in cancer research,” Bianca Rollbusch, an SDSU Molecular and Cellular Biology major.
While the goal of the festival is to inspire the next generation of scientists, some at the expo came to ensure that there is a future for researchers. Scientist volunteers, including Dr. Lisa Eyler, a professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego, took to the “Stand Up For Science” booth to lead an algae-string making activity and engage in one-on-one discussions with visitors about the importance of science funding. They argue that instability in federal funding for research harms San Diegans and all Californians.
“Congress has appropriated the budget for 2026, a lot of that money is not reaching scientists, because there are a lot of positions that are going unfilled, there are many delays and there are some things that were cancelled last year that just are not being reinstated,” Eyler said.
The group advocated for SB 895, the California Science and Health Research Bond Act, aimed at creating state funding for supporting research that, the group argues, helps grow our workforce and industries.
“I think this is the perfect place to talk to people about how science does need funding, and that funding is in jeopardy right now,” Eyler said.
Meanwhile, the festival will happen every Saturday in March. It is free and open to the public.