This new permanent location complements the very essence of Cambridge Science Centre, with its focus on bringing the joy and intrigue of imaginative, interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to children and families, providing hands-on experiences as well as access to better education, future careers, and life opportunities.
John Bull, CEO, Cambridge Science Centre, said: “We are excited to be opening the doors to our new space within Cambridge Science Park in July 2024. This new location feels like our spiritual home; it further strengthens our connections with the STEM ecosystem and brings communities to the very heart of science and technology in Cambridge.
“Cambridge Science Centre is the perfect setting for educational school trips and family days out. Through our interactive, real-world STEM experiences, we enable children to explore the many wonders of science in a fun as well as an educational way and introduce them to the many diverse possibilities available to them, on their doorstep and beyond.”
Cambridge, with its international reputation for ground-breaking scientific research and innovation, is recognised globally as the UK’s Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation – and Cambridge Science Park alone is home to 170 world-leading STEM companies employing 7,000 bright and brilliant minds.
According to Universities UK, the collective voice of universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK needs over 1.9 million STEM professionals to be qualified by 2035 to fill positions and maintain a diverse and equitable STEM sector fundamental to driving future innovation and progress, and cementing the UK’s place as a science and technology superpower.
However, despite the focus on science and technology in and around Cambridge, research conducted by UCL highlighted how parts of the region (including in and around Cambridge) are amongst the most deprived in the UK regarding access to high-quality education, skills and training – and, by age 11, many young learners have already decided that STEM subjects are not for them.
Cambridge Science Centre aims to change this with a mission to encourage a lifelong love and fascination with STEM for everyone. Over the last 10 years, the Centre has interacted with and inspired more than half a million young people, and this new, even more accessible location, will help them to reach many more.
Jamie Trivedi-Bateman, Director of Investment, Property, at Trinity College, Cambridge - which owns Cambridge Science Park - commented: “Introducing Cambridge Science Centre into Cambridge Science Park is part of our wider vision for the Park. When it comes to unlocking scientific, technological, and educational progress, Trinity understands the vital importance of making meaningful connections. This is at the core of the science park concept that Trinity pioneered when it originally founded Cambridge Science Park.
“Cambridge Science Centre enables young people, families in the community, and cutting-edge businesses to connect with each other in new ways – and this is something Trinity believes will benefit all involved.”
Joint partners, Brockton Everlast and the not-for-profit medical research charity, LifeArc, are major funders of the new Centre. Other forward-thinking organisations in the public, academic and corporate sectors supporting Cambridge Science Centre include Arm, ARU, AstraZeneca, Bruntwood SciTech, Cambridge Consultants, CEMEX, Kao Data, and MathWorks.
Cambridge Science Centre works with a vast array of supporters to deliver its innovative STEM experiences through workshops, interactive exhibits and innovative learning experiences. If you or your STEM-based business are interested in participating in STEM learning or you are a school or family that would like more information about our annual memberships/would like to visit the new Cambridge Science Centre, please contact info@cambridgesciencecentre.org
