Cambridge Science Centre in Wisbech welcomed VIPs – including Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – to their home at the Horsefair Shopping Centre on Thursday, for an ‘Opening Fenland Opportunities’ event highlighting the critical importance of nurturing the region’s young talent through awe-inspiring science.
He was joined by Cambridge Science Centre Trustees Amanda East and Serenna MacMillan, as well as supporters and organisations including Howden Turbo UK, Eastern Education Group, ARU Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Music. As they were welcomed by CEO Rebecca Porter, 60 pupils from Alderman Payne Primary School enjoyed ‘Stronger by Design’ – a science show investigating man-made materials and how they help to protect humans.
Guests then got to see and experience the energy of the 7 to 11 year olds exploring the Gallery floor and its diverse range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) exhibits – including a rollercoaster ball run, building challenges, a vocal-chord player, animal eye-sight explorers, a larger than life DNA chain challenge and a fly-your-own spinner wind tunnel.
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said:
“It’s more important than ever that young people have the ability to access STEM subjects on their doorstep. It could be transformational for these young people and, of course, it’s good for business who need the scientists, the engineers, those interested in STEM: the workforce of the future.”
The event shone a light on the importance of developing STEM skills from a young age – and how this can unlock often untapped talent that could benefit the region given the right circumstances, attention, investment and infrastructure. Andrew Otoo from Howden Turbo UK, comments:
“Our part of the puzzle is: ‘This is how this applies in the real world. This is how you find fun now, that can become your job’. It’s really cool to see that pipeline, that growth path.”
Supporter Debbie Allen sums up contagious joy of the day:
“You just see the kids come to life, don’t you? I mean, how long have they been exploring now? Easily 30 minutes, and they’re still bouncing up and down, so they’re obviously not going to run out of enthusiasm anytime soon. I think if I lived here in Wisbech, I would want to see something like this: a science centre that’s really loved, that’s really dynamic and inspiring.”
Businesses and schools based in the local area who would like to join in Cambridge Science Centre’s STEM adventures in Wisbech and the Fens are invited to reach out to the Charity, on info@cambridgesciencecentre.org or 01223 967965.
