The University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Science Centre have strengthened their long-standing collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support emerging science and technology sectors.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations outlines how they will collaborate in areas such as fostering public understanding on scientific and technological innovations that will shape our future, which includes work on Sustainability and AI, and Space and Manufacturing.
Developing and delivering educational programmes to build the skills necessary for the future workforce, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is also a key focus, along with collaborative research that focuses on cutting-edge science and technology.
Existing collaborations
The agreement formalises existing collaborations, which span across University Departments and Faculties, and include the Newton Flight Academy, a partnership between the Science Centre and the University, FIRST Scandinavia, Boeing, and MathWorks, which includes state-of the-art flight simulators and a permanent classroom located in the Science Centre, used to teach students aviation-related STEM concepts.
The Science Centre is also a project partner in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Quantum Technologies at Strathclyde.
The ground-breaking ICLEI Europe Glasgow Environmental Monitoring of Indoor and Outdoor Air (GEMINOA) project involves the Science Centre and Strathclyde academics from the departments of Architecture, Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Economics (Fraser of Allander Institute). The initiative aims to improve environmental decision making through data and has delivered more than 600 hours of engagement.
NASA Astronauts
The parties have also enjoyed long term success with the monthly David Elder Lecture Series, which have been running for 10 years and drawn in more than 7,000 attendees to hear lectures from academics and experts – including NASA astronauts.
Another ongoing initiative has been an interactive ‘Citizen Science’ exhibit by academics from the Department of Psychology, which allows visitors to the Science Centre to take part in hands-on, real-life experiments.
The Science Centre is also the University’s first Social Mission partner, working with Strathclyde to address some of society’s greatest challenges in areas relating to tackling inequalities, mental health and wellbeing and supporting communities and citizens across Scotland.
Innovation cluster
A dedicated Social Innovation Cluster at the University aims to foster engagement and collaboration among researchers, social mission partners, industry partners, public and voluntary sector organisations and communities.
The agreement was signed on 27th January at Glasgow Science Centre, and Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Strathclyde – and a previous Chair of the Science Centre Board of Trustees – said:
“We are delighted to welcome Glasgow Science Centre as our first Social Mission partner and this joint agreement builds on our highly successful long-standing collaboration and our shared vision to combine our strengths to improve widening access to science, engineering and technology. “
“As a leading international technological University, we look forward to collaborating on research, development, and innovations with local, national and global significance.”
Glasgow Science Centre’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen Breslin said:
“Our relationship with the University of Strathclyde has delivered multiple successful projects over the years; helping to create opportunities for engagement in science, engineering and technology and bringing expert-led research and innovation to people outside of academia.
“At Glasgow Science Centre, we believe in a world where everyone has the chance to engage and interact with STEM subjects in a meaningful way, and value the expertise and collaboration of institutions like Strathclyde in furthering these aims.
“At this changing time for science and technology, it has never been more important for academic institutions and third-sector organisations to work together to tackle the challenges that face the global STEM industry.”