A CITY-WIDE education programme highlighting the importance of science has celebrated its first anniversary.
Newcastle Science City’s community engagement project was launched on January 28 last year to promote the benefits of science and the world-class research being carried out in the city. Community groups from across Newcastle have benefited from the project’s community science grant which offers funding to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Nick Powell, community engagement officer at Newcastle Science City, said: “Our work is all about building an informed and scientifically active community in Newcastle and helping residents to be part of it.
“We’re here to show residents how science can make a real difference to them and their community.”
The science sessions have included lessons on beekeeping, halogen cookery courses and stem cell mosaic-making.
The worlds of art and science have also collided with workshops inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci. The community engagement project was set up with the aim of addressing a lack of understanding and awareness of the employment opportunities existing within the North East’s scientific community.
Mr Powell said: “We aren’t trying to convert everyone into being interested in science but it is important we raise awareness of the training and employment opportunities within a range of industries.
“When the North East had its shipyards and coal mines it was very obvious who our employers were and people had great pride in our industries.
“The region’s big science employers of today are by nature more covert operations but some really impressive work goes on behind the scenes and the value of science, manufacturing and research to Newcastle is huge.”
Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell has been a passionate supporter of the Science City project.
Ms McKinnell said: “Stimulating young people’s interest in science and technology at an early age is vital in order to build the scientists of tomorrow. We need to ensure that the North East competes in the international hi-tech economy and for the green energy jobs of the future.
“Engaging young people at an early age with exciting and fun events is a great way to encourage young people to get learning.”
The next phase of work for the scheme will see up to £50,000 awarded to partnerships between Newcastle-based not-for-profit organisations and science research institutions to help them develop large science-based projects.
