STEM Subjects: Science and Discovery Centres — [Mrs Maria Miller in the Chair]

Discussed the role of science centres in promoting STEM education and diversity, highlighting Glasgow Science Centre's initiatives during the pandemic. Emphasised the need for continued support from the government to ensure the success of such centres.

Ms West emphasised the role of science centres like the Science Museum in inspiring a generation of children into scientific careers. She expressed concern over closures and redundancies caused by the pandemic, which have impacted educational recovery efforts and the future pipeline of scientists.

Chris Skidmore, a former Science Minister and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on museums, expressed concern about science and discovery centres being unable to access the culture recovery fund. He highlighted the significant impact of closures on local communities and education, mentioning We The Curious in Bristol as an example, which has lost £2.7 million due to the pandemic and had to make 46% of its education team redundant.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes is a unique hybrid museum and science centre playing an important role in STEM education. The facility's history, including its connection to the chemical industry and ICI, highlights its significance. Despite facing financial challenges, Catalyst has received grants but needs continued support for its future operations.

Eureka! national children's museum, located in the Halifax constituency, attracts 315,000 visitors annually and 19% of them are from areas with high levels of deprivation. However, due to financial challenges during the pandemic, Eureka! has had to close its education department and nursery and reduce staff by a third. The museum forecasts visitor numbers of only 127,000 through to the year end if it reopens on 21 May as planned, leading to concerns about future viability.

Stressed the importance of science discovery centres in inspiring young people to be curious about the world. Emphasised that these centres are threatened by financial uncertainty, with 96% of them unable to cover costs at 30% capacity due to the pandemic. Raised concerns over geographic and gender inequity in STEM fields.

Mr Howell highlighted the importance of science and discovery centres in inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. He mentioned the Life centre in Newcastle and Eureka! in Halifax as examples, stressing that such places plant seeds for future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

I am delighted to speak in today's debate and thank the hon. Member for calling it. The UK's economy faces an annual shortfall of around 59,000 engineers and technicians, making science and discovery centres crucial for engaging young people with engineering opportunities. The National Railway Museum's Wonderlab project is part of a £55 million upgrade that aims to inspire future generations of engineers. I ask the Minister if ongoing relationships between these centres and local communities are seen as central pillars in this work.

Sarah Atherton thanked her colleague for initiating the debate and highlighted the importance of Xplore!, a science discovery centre in Wrexham, as crucial for inspiring the next generation into STEM careers. She mentioned the potential of Wrexham to lead the charge for a STEM revolution due to its vaccine production capabilities and other local companies. Atherton also stressed that post-COVID educational recovery should include hands-on learning opportunities provided by such centres.

Welcomed the debate and highlighted the Winchester Science Centre's contributions to STEM education, including free activities for over 3,900 children annually. Noted a loss of £2.5 million due to the pandemic and called for additional Government support, such as access to the culture recovery fund.