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Cambridge Science Centre is Building a Better Future
Cambridge Science Centre has shared more about its new strategic approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) engagement after opening its doors last week to the families of industry partners who are making Building a Better Future possible.
Building a Better Future is the first in a series of two-year-long programmes aiming to deepen childrens’ and families’ understanding of the world we live in. The next programme in the series, Your Smart World - focusing on what is beyond everyday digital devices, the future of AI and demystifying quantum computing - is currently being developed, ahead of release in Easter 2027.
Having launched in April and running until March 2027, Building a Better Future’s interactive engagement activities, centre around supporting young people to understand the planning, science and impact of buildings and spaces that surround them more deeply.
Through close collaboration with industry innovators - including lead partners Cambridge Growth Company and Trinity College, Cambridge - Cambridge Science Centre translates the specialist knowledge and cutting-edge innovation used in construction every day, into locally relevant, age-appropriate exhibits, hands-on labs, interactive shows and school-workshops.
At the centre of the model demonstrated by Building a Better Future is a new approach to science communication. Rather than being simply a visitor attraction where complex concepts and cutting-edge innovation are translated into fun science engagement activities for ages 4-11, Cambridge Science Centre is evolving into a place where children, their families, industry leaders and innovators interconnect, hear one another, and grow greater understanding: enabling more inclusive future outcomes.
Empowering the local community, especially its younger members – so they gain voice, confidence and civic agency around what happens next – is an approach that has immeasurable value to partners, as Karen Clarke from Cambridge Growth Company explains
“Everyone involved in place-making has the responsibility to ensure that young people get the space and the time to shape the kind of places and communities they live in and can be proud of. This is exactly what Building a Better Future aims to achieve and why we are pleased to be working with Cambridge Science Centre.”
Andrew Farrer, Director of Programmes and Impact, adds: “It’s curiosity and joy that drive immediate and lifelong engagement with science. We draw on research partnerships and literature to build experiences that are exciting and practical in the moment - but are also critical steps on a pathway to passion, confidence, and ownership.”
Industry leaders supporting the Building a Better Future programme alongside key partners Cambridge Growth Company and Trinity College, Cambridge include Potter Raper, Bidwells, Cemex, Brockton Everlast Inc., Barnes Construction, Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge Building Society, COEL and The Crown Estate – who designed a energy networks cleantech exhibit, specifically for the programme.
Building a Better Future runs until 31 March 2027, with various Labs running across the school summer holidays, including ‘Investigation Insulation’, ‘Tank to Tap’ and ‘Human Habitats’ and ‘I Spy…Ecology’. Learn more about what’s on and book your 2-hour session at cambridgesciencecentre.org/whats-on
To register your interest in becoming a partner for the next programme in the series - Your Smart World - please reach out to Cambridge Science Centre’s Director of Business Development, Kath Austin at kathaustin@cambridgesciencecentre.org