Dundee Science Centre Shortlisted for Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce Awards

We are delighted to announce that Dundee Science Centre has been shortlisted for the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce awards in two prestigious categories: the Impact Award and the Future Skills Award. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to making a significant positive impact on our community and fostering future skills.

You can vote for us at www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk/chamber-champion-awards-finalists-2024

Read both our submissions below to find out more about our work and achievements.

IMPACT Award Shortlist

Our nomination for the IMPACT Award highlights our dedication to creating tangible social and economic benefits within our community. We have been a crucial part of lifelong learning in Dundee and a hub for engaging science activities, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually.

Our mission is to nurture a community that is curious, confident, and engaged in science. We strive to achieve this by:

• Providing an entertaining and educational visitor experience.
• Serving as a key resource for lifelong learning across all ages and abilities.
• Promoting STEM as an integral part of the local cultural landscape.
• Using science engagement as a means to improve lives.

We have partnered with various local organizations to co-create experiences that enrich our community. For instance, our collaboration with Dundee Bairns Tea Club tackles child food poverty while providing STEM activities. Our Space Camp, supported by the UK Space Agency, engages children from underserved backgrounds in space science, fostering inclusivity and excitement about STEM fields. Our Women in STEM events bridge the gap between local businesses and education, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Additionally, our Learning Lab initiative, funded nationally, has enriched the learning experiences of over 2,750 pupils across 35 local schools, aligning with the Curriculum for Excellence and building STEM capital in our region.

Future Skills Award Shortlist

In the Future Skills category, our innovative approaches to skill development and training programs are being recognized. Our mission extends to equipping individuals with future-relevant skills through a variety of initiatives:

• Hosting career fairs and events like a three-day careers fair for over 500 pupils, and the Dundee Tourist Trail, which showcased careers in tourism to 200 pupils.
• Organizing internship and work experience programs, providing 45 unpaid placements, and facilitating twelve paid placements through the Career Ready scheme in partnership with the University of Dundee Mentors.

Our recent introduction of the Learning Lab, a funded national educational initiative, includes lesson plans, live interactions with scientists, family learning activities, and visits to the Centre, while also upskilling teachers. This program has significantly enriched the educational landscape, supporting the development of future skills among students.

One of our participants, Rae Garvock, shared, “Before starting at Dundee Science Centre, I was shy and nervous to talk to people because I was isolated during lockdown. My time here has helped me develop my confidence and given me new ideas about the career I want to pursue.”

Our dedicated team has passionately delivered engagement programs for over 24 years, aiming to provide fun and engaging experiences, raise awareness of STEM activities, and widen access to those in the most disadvantaged areas.

Acknowledging Our Efforts

Being shortlisted for these awards acknowledges our commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and inspired community. We are proud of our efforts to empower individuals, reduce inequality, and enhance access to essential skills and services.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, funders, and the entire community for their unwavering support. Stay tuned for updates as we look forward to the award announcements!