The Science Capital
The Science Capital is a project where we will radically transform our science discovery centre, allowing us to expand our offering and attract a more diverse audience.
What is the Science Capital project?
The Science Capital is a project where we will radically transform our science discovery centre on Stuart Street. It involves a significant extension of our building, which will allow us to expand our offering and attract a more diverse audience.
Our new footprint will house innovative new content, developed with businesses and academics at the forefront of STEM in Wales and supported by a programme of community co-production, highlighting the role STEM technologies shape the future of our society.
Why is it necessary?
We want to make science accessible to everyone in Wales and as the oldest and one of the smallest science centres in the UK, we will only be able to achieve this by radically transforming our current site.
By appealing to a wider audience, we will be able to increase visitor numbers and in turn generate additional income, all of which will ensure the future sustainability of our charity.
How is this project being made possible?
We are very grateful to the funders who are helping us to make this project a reality — the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome Trust’s Inspiring Science Fund, Moondance Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Welsh Government’s ‘Invest to Save’ fund.
We have also appointed a team of experts who will work with us on the extension — project managers Lee Wakemans, architects HLM and engineers Hydrock.
Where does the concept of Science Capital come from?
Science capital is a concept which gives valuable insight into why and how some people participate in and engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) related experiences — and why some do not.
Science capital itself is a measure of your engagement or relationship with science, how much you value it and whether you feel it is ‘for you’ and connected to your life.
It highlights the significance of what you know about science, how you think about it, what (science-related activities) you do and who you know in shaping attitudes and feelings about STEM.
Everyone’s science capital is different. It is not fixed, it can change across a lifetime and the more that you engage in positive science experiences, the more potential there is over time, to impact on and grow your science capital.
Science and innovation is crucial in modern society. It has the power to change the way we live our lives and is integral to our future.
What’s the relevance of this to Techniquest?
At Techniquest, we want to grow people’s science capital. By growing science capital in individuals and the communities of Wales, we can help more people to see science as an important part of their lives and culture, which will help broaden opportunities and access for STEM-related jobs in the future.
Want to get involved?
We are looking to work inclusively with new and existing partners on The Science Capital.
We want to reach out to and engage with community groups, schools, academia, public and private organisations.
In return for supporting us, you will have the opportunity to:
- Tell your story, engage with and inspire hundreds of thousands of adults and young people across Wales and beyond
- Showcase the work of your organisation and the difference it is making to people’s lives
- Encourage and influence the future generation of innovators
- Corporate visibility through branding on marketing, content and PR materials.
We are at the start of a really exciting journey and hope that you will follow us, support us and collaborate with us on this journey.
Please get in touch if anything you read above sparks your interest as we’d love to talk to you:
info@techniquest.org
