The Glasgow Science Centre and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have partnered to expand STEM education across the west of Scotland.
With both the Science Centre and UWS sharing a mission to create educational and learning opportunities for all, a partnership agreement signed on 11 November will harness the strength and expertise of both organisations as they seek to raise science literacy, widening participation and the potential development of the current and future scientific workforce.
The strategic alliance builds upon both organisation’s experience and expertise in working with a variety of different groups and communities across the west of Scotland.
On signing the partnership, UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor James Miller said: “Creating educational and learning opportunities for all is an endeavour both UWS and the Science Centre share and I’m looking forward to working with the Science Centre to have a tremendous impact on the communities we serve.”
Dr Stephen Breslin, Glasgow Science Centre’s Chief Executive Officer said: “I am pleased to see this Memorandum of Understanding between Glasgow Science Centre and the University of the West of Scotland signed – and welcome the many opportunities for future collaboration and innovation that it shall bring for our two organisations and the wider STEM community in Scotland.
“Both Glasgow Science Centre and the University of the West of Scotland share a vision for a Scotland where no young person faces barriers to participating in STEM education. This vision calls for intervention at every stage of a child’s life – whether it be in school, university or in their local communities.
“With Scotland at a critical juncture in its journey to Net Zero, and STEM industries continuing to grow, is has never been more important that we work with educators to ensure our young people can capitalise on these opportunities and be part of the next generation of changemakers.”
The five-year MoU outlines how both organisations will seek to deliver transformative change in design and delivery of lifelong science skills across the Glasgow City Region and beyond, increasing science literacy and aligns to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: sustainable cities and communities (SDG11); reducing inequalities (SDG10); Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); decent work and economic growth (SDG8).