Europe has to maintain a high level and high quality of scientists, technicians and engineers, but meeting this objective seems to find obstacles when it comes to young people and their choices for a career in science. What are the factors influencing young people’s choices? Recent studies offer substantial results and considerations on this at international level. The session wil present specific research studies and discuss this issue on the basis of their results. The objective is to offer updated information regarding the relationship between young people and S&T; and to understand whether and how can science centres and museum have a stronger contribution to the improvement of such relatinship.