Since 2009, DIPC has organised the massively popular top@DIPC – Zientziarekin solasean! encounters, bringing Nobel Prize laureates and other leading international scientists together with secondary school students from across the Basque Country in sessions moderated by Pedro Miguel Etxenike. During the Passion for Knowledge festival, the presence of the festival’s distinguished guest scientists provides the ideal opportunity to host the annual edition of these meetings.
The goal is to spark young people’s curiosity about science and inspire future scientific careers. The encounters give students the chance to learn first-hand about the scientific achievements and personal journeys of the invited speakers. Before attending, participating schools explore the biographies of the guest scientists in the classroom and prepare the questions they would like to ask. During each session, all registered schools have the opportunity to participate, with questions selected at random through a draw.
As part of P4K 2026, the 16th edition of top@ DIPC – Zientziarekin solasean! encounters will feature two sessions. The first will take place on 29 September at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre in Donostia/San Sebastián, while the second will be held on 1 October at Bizkaia Aretoa (EHU) in Bilbao. In an informal and welcoming setting, students will have the opportunity to talk with some of the world’s leading scientists and put their questions to them directly.
Sessions
- 29 September, Teatro Victoria Eugenia (Donostia-San Sebastián), 9:00 am-12:30 pm
- 1 October, Bizkaia Aretoa EHU (Bilbao), 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Programme
- 9:00-9:30 Welcome to students and teachers.
- 9:30-11:30 Encounter.
- Institutional welcome and presentation.
- Question and answer session and Telefónica award.
- 11:30 Family photo and snacks.
- 12:30 Closure
The full programme will be announced in September, when registration will also open. This activity is free of charge. To make sure you don’t miss any updates, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter for teachers.
Best Question Award
At each session, a prize will be awarded for the most interesting or original question asked by a student. This award is made possible thanks to the generous support of Telefónica and Fundación EDP, both members of the DIPC Board of Partners, who will take part in the Bilbao and Donostia / San Sebastián events, respectively. The winners will be announced live during each session.
Participation Guidelines
Schools Eligible to Participate
Secondary schools across the Basque Autonomous Community, subject to the number of places available
Participants
Up to two teachers and up to five students from each participating school may register for each session.
Student Profile
Students who, during the 2026/2027 academic year, are enrolled in Year 11 (DBH 4/4º ESO) or either year of the Science Baccalaureate. The selection of participating students is at the discretion of the teacher responsible for registration, and students do not need to belong to the same year group or class.
Participation Requirements
Registration will open in September 2026. Schools must register through the DIPC online platform, which will be accessible via this website once the registration period opens.
When registering, schools may apply to attend one or both sessions. Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their place by email, together with instructions for completing the registration process. At that stage, schools will be asked to provide details of the participating teacher and students, as well as the questions they would like to ask the guest scientists.
Selection Criteria
Participating schools will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis until all available places have been allocated for each session.
Schools may register for one or both sessions.
Participation is free of charge.
For further information or if you have any questions, please contact topa.p4k@dipc.org