Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Inspiring Young Minds Through Science and Discovery
Tomorrow's workforce starts with today's children: Cambridge Science Centre calls for greater recognition of science centres in the UK’s future skills agenda after event in Parliament
Cambridge Science Centre has called for science centres to be recognised as vital partners in the UK's future skills agenda, showcasing its model for sustained, industry-informed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) engagement at a parliamentary reception hosted by the Science Centre’s constituency MP, Charlotte Cane, on Wednesday 4th November.
Held at Portcullis House, the event brought together more than 90 parliamentarians, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and educators to explore how early engagement with science and technology can help shape children's aspirations and support the UK's long-term skills and industrial ambitions.
The reception featured a keynote address from Dr David Cleevely CBE, serial technology entrepreneur, co-founder of Cambridge Angels and founding Chair of Cambridge Science Centre, alongside contributions from Charlotte Cane MP and Harriet Fear MBE, Chair of Cambridge Science Centre.
Guests included the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP (Romsey and Southampton North), the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP (North East Cambridgeshire), Pippa Heylings MP (South Cambridgeshire), Ian Sollom MP (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire), Roland Sinker (Chair of the University of Cambridge's Inclusive Innovation and Growth Review), and Peter Freeman (Chair of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation).
Attendees experienced a pop-up version of Cambridge Science Centre, featuring interactive exhibits including Clean Energy Networks, developed with The Crown Estate, and Imaigo (AI Explorer), designed and developed by Cambridge Consultants. Illumina also showcased Genome Guardians and Genome Explorers, two interactive science shows co-developed with Cambridge Science Centre, bringing the fascinating world of genomics to life. Together, these experiences demonstrated how complex scientific concepts and emerging technologies can be translated into engaging, accessible and inspiring experiences for young audiences.
At the heart of the charity's approach is a commitment to more coordinated, sustained STEM engagement, bringing entire industry sectors together around year-long programmes that connect the UK's economic priorities with meaningful early experiences for children.
Through its Partner, Translate, Engage model, Cambridge Science Centre convenes industry, academia and communities to transform cutting-edge science and technology into joyful, accessible, hands-on experiences for children aged 4 to 13. Delivered through its centres in Cambridge and Wisbech, and through outreach, these programmes engage schoolchildren, families and community groups, building curiosity, confidence and a sense of possibility, particularly among those facing the greatest barriers to participation.
The model is already in action through Building a Better Future (2026-27), which focuses on the built environment. Since launching in April 2026, the programme has reached more than 13,000 people, demonstrating its ability to engage audiences at scale. Further programmes include Your Smart World (2027-28), focused on AI and deep technology, and Life Sciences (2028-29).
Evaluation is embedded throughout the model, tracking how children's initial excitement and curiosity develop into confidence, skills and actions over time, helping build a stronger evidence base for the long-term value of sustained STEM engagement.
Rebecca Porter, CEO of Cambridge Science Centre, said: "If we're serious about building the workforce of tomorrow, we need to invest in how children experience science today. This isn't simply an education issue. It's about opportunity, inclusion and the UK's long-term economic resilience.
"By bringing entire industry sectors together around shared programmes, we can create meaningful connections between children and the science and technologies shaping their world now, so they can shape the industries and opportunities of tomorrow."
Harriet Fear MBE, Chair of Trustees at Cambridge Science Centre, added: "Science centres occupy a unique position at the intersection of research, industry, education and communities. They have a really important role to play in connecting the UK's scientific and technological strengths with the next generation, ensuring more children have the opportunity to discover, explore and see themselves as part of that future."
Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said: “Visiting the Science Centre earlier this year, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how Cambridge Science Centre is engaging young people across the area and inspiring new passions and careers for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Science centres are going to play a key role in the UK’s future industrial strategy. By creating opportunity for every child, in every community, to pursue STEM, they will build the skills that solve the problems of the future. Cambridge Science Centre are leading the way on this, so I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase their fantastic work here in Parliament.”
Cambridge Science Centre is now inviting policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and organisations across the STEM engagement sector to join the conversation about how this approach can help strengthen the UK's future skills pipeline.
To learn more, visit cambridgesciencecentre.org/stem-society.
Cambridge Science Centre thanks Charlotte Cane MP and her office for sponsoring the reception, alongside its partners, supporters and guests who contributed to the event.