Kids On Climate | 2025-2027 | Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral project ENG

KIDSONCLIMATE is a project that investigates how young teenagers’ awareness of the climate crisis, and the emotions it generates, might impact their (dis)engagement with politics at different levels

Children’s opinions matter

Are you a parent of a teenager, or a young person between 10 and 17? We want to hear from you!

The KIDSONCLIMATE project is currently looking for participants in Belgium and France to share their thoughts on the climate crisis and how it shapes their view of the world. No « right » or « wrong » answers—just honest conversations about your feelings, your hopes, and your place in society.

Who? Young people aged 10-17.
Where? In Belgium and France.
Why? To help us understand how the climate crisis is changing the way we think about politics and our future.

Ready to take part or want to learn more? > katharine.throssel@uclouvain.be

Registration

The Kids on Climate Research Project

Katharine Throssel is leading an exciting international study funded by the European Commission (prestigious Marie Curie fellowship): Kids on Climate.

This project addresses the urgent need for research on student well-being in contexts of crisis (environmental, democratic, international) and explores how the emotions generated by these contexts influence democratic engagement.

Our Methodology: Combining Data with Real-Life Experience

KIDSONCLIMATE combines two scientific approaches to understand youth perspectives:

Data Analysis: Examining international sociological patterns (IEA Civic and Citizenship Education Study).
Qualitative Interviews: In-depth dialogues with young people (ages 10-17) in Belgium and France to capture emotions and motivations beyond statistics.

A Collaborative Approach

The project is built with young people, not just about them:

Youth Advisors: A dedicated group of teenage consultants provides feedback on methodology.
Grounded Analysis: Ensuring research remains connected to the actual lived experiences of today’s teenagers.

Ethics & Integrity

Approved Methodology: Rigorously reviewed and approved by the IRIS-L Ethics Committee (UCLouvain).
Participant Protection: Guaranteed highest standards of scientific integrity and data privacy.

Meet Katharine Throssell

Most people see politics as something for adults, but Katharine Throssell knows that our journey as citizens begins much earlier—often right in the living room.

As a researcher and a mother, Katharine has spent over a decade exploring how children make sense of the world around them. Forget dry statistics and dusty library shelves; her work is all about real life.

She listens to how kids talk about their identity, their country, and the stories they see in their favorite books and cartoons.

Her mission? To show that children aren’t just « future » citizens—they have powerful voices and unique perspectives right now.

Ressources

Project overview and consent form

School Information Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KIDSONCLIMATE study?

It is a research project led by Dr. Katharine Throssell at the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain). We are exploring how learning about the climate crisis affects the way young people (ages 10–17) view democracy and their role in society.

Why is this research important?

Young people are often the most affected by climate discussions but are frequently excluded from social science research. This project aims to bridge that gap, making sure your voices and perspectives are heard and documented by the scientific community.

What does the interview involve?

It is a one-hour conversation, not a test. We will discuss things like:
How you learn about the climate crisis.
The social and political issues that matter to you.
Where you get your news and information.
Your hopes and visions for the future.
To keep things engaging, we may use images, cartoons, or games to spark discussion. There are no right or wrong answers—you are the expert on your own life.

Where will the interview take place?

We offer flexibility to suit your schedule. It can be held:
In-person at a mutually convenient location.
Online via a secure video call.

How is my child’s data protected?

We take data privacy very seriously.
Anonymity: All participation is fully anonymized. No names or identifying details will ever be published or shared.
Audio Recording: We record the audio only to ensure we capture the conversation accurately. These files are stored on secure, encrypted servers.
Data Deletion: All recordings and personal data are destroyed at the end of the research period (2 years).

Can we change our minds?

Yes, absolutely. Participation is entirely voluntary. You or your child can withdraw from the study at any time—before, during, or even after the interview has taken place—without needing to provide a reason. If you withdraw, all your data will be immediately deleted.

Who can participate?

We are looking for young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.

How do we sign up?

For participants under 18, we require both the participant’s agreement and parental consent. You can download the consent form below or contact us directly to start the process.
Contact the Researcher: For any additional questions or to schedule an interview, please reach out to Dr. Katharine Throssell at katharine.throssell@uclouvain.be.
Participation is strictly voluntary. Upon request and school authorization, Katharine can also visit classrooms to give a brief (15-20 min) presentation, allowing students to ask questions before deciding to take part.