Showcasing its innovation in creating the world’s first plant protein material, Xampla will help children from the age of seven to think about how the world will change by 2050.
As part of the week of action, Xampla will show young visitors to the museum how to identify microplastics and their harmful impact on the ocean through games and interactive demonstrations.
Xampla’s team of experts will be on site in South Kensington to engage with families as part of the company’s continued efforts to boost STEM education for the next generation.
The product of more than 15 years’ research at Cambridge University, Xampla has developed a plant protein material that mimics the molecular structure of spider silk, creating a strong, flexible and entirely natural alternative to single-use plastic. Its technology has applications in flexible films used in packaging, microcapsules used to contain fragrances in household products and nutrients in food and drink.
The Science Museum partnership comes as Xampla prepares to commercialise its products for customers across a range of industries.
Xampla CEO, Simon Hombersley, said: “We are incredibly proud to be invited to partner with the Science Museum. At Xampla, our team of experts has a real passion for taking science out into the real world to educate the next generation about STEM careers. We hope to inspire some of the children we meet this half term to be tomorrow’s scientists and innovators, seeking to improve the world around them.
“The activity will be ‘hands on’ and will be about getting young people really excited about science and the impact a career in this field can have. We will then be building on this programme of outreach over the next year with more events and activities to get involved with.”
Laura Southall, Head of Learning at the Science Museum, said: “We’re excited to be joined by Xampla to ignite the curiosity of young visitors this October half term as we explore the effects of and solutions to microplastics in our environment.”
The Future Explorers activities will be taking place at the Science Museum, London, between 25th-29th October.