A new Bristol-based charity has launched this week, with the aim of encouraging more young people to explore careers in science.
Science Creates Outreach, part of the Science Creates and University of Bristol deep-tech hub, is a new initiative designed to give local primary and secondary school students a chance to experience what it’s like working in a real science lab.
From watching chemical reactions and being mesmerised by liquid nitrogen, to trying out light photography and making keyrings from 3D printers – students will be able to participate in live experiments as they tour the whole Science Creates incubator and new ‘Learning Lab’.
In addition, they’ll get the chance to meet real scientists working in the lab, for example, those researching cancer treatments, others creating new vaccinations and a team helping plants harvest light more effectively. Students will be able to quiz the scientists on what it’s like working in the lab, showcasing that anyone can pursue a career in science with the right ambition.
Opening eyes to a career in Science
Science Creates has been running school and community group workshops since 2017 and has welcomed more than 1,500 visitors into the lab during that time. However, after seeing its popularity amongst students and teachers grow, it decided to formally launch as a charity this year so it can offer a unique learning experience to even more children in the region.
With ambitious plans to invite more than 3,000 students through its doors over the next year, as well as launch a new work experience programme for high school students, the charity is currently fundraising to ensure it can meet the high demand.
Science Creates Outreach recently hosted its first launch fundraising event which saw members of the local community come together to celebrate all-things science, meet the ambitious team and see Thangam Debbonaire, Labour MP for Bristol West and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons declare the charity officially open in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speaking about the launch, Charlie Proctor, CEO of Science Creates Outreach, tells us, “It’s a fact – the world needs more scientists. The past few years alone have taught just how vital science is as we tackle the climate change crisis and a global pandemic. We need to empower young people to be confident, skilled problem solvers and scientific communicators in order for these, and other major issues, to be addressed.
“The Science Creates Outreach mission is to continue inspiring the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs, by immersing them in the heart of our deep tech incubators. What’s so unique about our programme is that it doesn’t provide a ‘childish’ version of a science lab – this is a real, working incubator where groundbreaking science is happening every single day. It’s really exciting that children get to experience this in such a hands-on capacity.”
If you would like to make a donation, find out more or organise a school workshop, please get in touch by emailing charlie@sciencecreates-
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