Cambridge Science Centre’s ‘Stem in the Fens’ initiative garners support from Combined Authority

September 29, 2023

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) proudly welcomed Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, earlier this week to their immersive STEM Pop-Up Science Centre, currently hosted at the Wisbech & Fenland Museum.

This groundbreaking initiative is part of the visionary programme to engage with the public and local schools to improve access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning in an effective way and one that embeds interaction at the heart of the community. Promoting STEM activity with school children is vital to ensuring a talent pipeline for future generations.

The ‘STEM in the Fens’ project, a collaborative effort generously supported by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority through the Market Towns Programme. The project is set to travel to four Fenland towns with its innovative programming over the course of the next two years.

With a commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and exploration, John Bull, CEO of Cambridge Science Centre, shared his enthusiasm, stating: “We take immense pride in showcasing our ‘STEM in the Fens’ project to Nik Johnson, his dedicated team, and our supporters. This joint project distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating into local communities through interactions with schools, community groups and the public and effectively highlighting the importance of STEM concepts and future opportunities.”

The core of the ‘STEM in the Fens’ project revolves around the establishment of the Pop-Up Science Centre in Ramsey, Chatteris, Wisbech and March, where it will showcase STEM-based subjects over a span of two months. Subsequently, the project will revisit these towns in 2024, a strategic move designed to encourage deeper engagement among visitors.

Bull elaborated: “Returning to these towns not only allows our young visitors and their families to revisit and reinforce their learnings but also encourages and empowers them to explore new horizons and experiences.”

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson commented: “I’m determined to ensure that the people of the Fens can seize every opportunity our great region presents and I’m delighted to support this Cambridge Science Centre initiative, inspiring young and eager minds to go on and be part of building themselves a better future.”

The ‘STEM in the Fens’ project has already left its indelible mark on Ramsey and Chatteris earlier this year and reaching over 7,000 interactions with communities. Plans to launch in the market town of March in early 2024. The present Pop-Up Science Centre, located in Wisbech, will welcome visitors from 14 September – 18 November.

For detailed information regarding public viewing hours and special school programmes, please visit the official website of Cambridge Science Centre: www.cambridgesciencecentre.org

Cambridge Science Centre remains deeply grateful for the encouragement and support of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, and eagerly anticipates the project’s transformative impact on fostering a culture of scientific exploration and learning within the Fenland market towns and their urban and rural communities.