The Departamento de Ciencia, Universidades e Innovación of the Basque Government released the second season of the Basque-language science podcast Zientzia Oro The series is aimed at the general public and the education sector, and seeks to explain scientific questions from everyday life and research in an accessible way.
The new season builds on the format of the first and starts with questions designed to spark curiosity. According to the official announcement, topics include animal intelligence, the limits of the human body, the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction, evidence for the existence of black holes, and the importance of sleep. Zientzia Oro is hosted by Nagore Rementeria Argote and Guillermo Roa Zubia; at least one external expert is also due to speak in each episode.
New episodes are released every 15 days on Spotify and iVoox as well as on the Department’s YouTubechannel. The podcast can also be found on the science platform Zientziaklik . The producers emphasise the dual aim of remaining scientifically rigorous while presenting the material in a way that can be used directly in classrooms and informal education.
Zientziaklik notes that the first season concluded after six episodes. With its continuation, the Department of Science is reaffirming its strategy of raising the profile of science and innovation in society. The Basque-language offering is also intended to advance language and education policy: pupils, teachers and families are given accessible yet scientifically vetted ways to engage with current scientific questions.
It remains unclear how the format’s impact will be systematically assessed and what metrics will be used to measure reach, classroom use and learning outcomes. The announcement did not include details of the second season’s production costs. Earlier tender notices do, however, show that the Department organises the podcast’s production and publication and awards the contract at regular intervals.
The release of the new season marks another element of the Basque Government’s communications and education strategy in science. Zientzia Oro offers listeners a clearly structured introduction to complex subjects—from biology and physics to neuroscience—without giving up on entertainment.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).