Science Funding

23rd August 2017

Science festivals will receive £250,000 of Scottish Government funding to support them in bringing science alive in a fun and accessible way, Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville has announced.

Up to 15 festivals, which reach more than 200,000 people across Scotland annually, will benefit from the funding. These range from community-led events in rural areas to larger city-based events.

Ms Somerville said:"Science festivals allow people of all ages, irrespective of gender or background, to interact with researchers, support science learning and promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. They help inspire not only our next generation of scientists, but also their families, adult learners and the general public.

“Science centres play a key part in this and I am pleased we are helping Dundee Science Centre to enhance its facilities and enable it to continue building on the great work it is doing, particularly in engaging hard to reach audiences."

The Minister also announced new funding of £248,000 towards an interactive exhibition at the Dundee Science Centre which will showcase Dundee's pioneering work in medical technology.

Linda Leuchars, CEO Dundee Science Centre, said:“We are delighted to have received this significant contribution from the Scottish Government towards our £2 million upgrade and expansion programme, which includes the introduction of a major new exhibition.

“This ambitious development not only adds huge value to the visitor experience but also reinforces our deserved reputation as a hub for lifelong science learning and public engagement within our community.”

Scotland is the only country in the UK to provide annual funding to science festivals.

Festivals taking place this year include:

Borders

Caithness

Dumfries and Galloway

Dunbar

Dundee

Edinburgh

Fife

Glasgow

Inverness

Midlothian

Moray

MoSSFest

Orkney

Strathearn

TechFest (Aberdeen)