Science engagement

We are funding opportunities for the public to engage with science, with the aim of encouraging more people to study and pursue careers in the field.

This will help to strengthen Scotland's research and development base in science, technology and engineering.

In 2022 and 2023, we put £3.025 million into delivering public science engagement experiences to more than one million people. 

In 2023 and 2024, we are providing £3.025 million funding to support the delivery of public science engagement experiences to more than one million people. 

National STEM engagement campaign – Aye for Ideas

We have developed a national campaign, Aye for Ideas, to inspire and engage people of all ages and backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

A range of Aye for Ideas information and promotional materials are available for use by our partners, including science centres, schools and businesses.

Science centres

We give the majority of public science engagement funding (£2.67 million between 2023 and 2024) to Scotland's science centres, which aim to encourage people of all ages to engage with science by presenting it in a fun, inspiring and educational way. 

Scotland's science centres are visited by more than 700,000 people, both locals and tourists, every year. There is one in each of Scotland's four largest cities: 

Science festivals

We provide funding for science festivals to make science accessible to a wider Scottish audience, with a particular focus on strengthening young people's interest and knowledge in science. They provide an annual and local focus for activities and events, often in cities or towns that don't have a science centre of their own.

Scotland's science festivals typically include:

  • a schools programme for primary and secondary schools
  • public events, such as topical debates or talks by well-known scientists
  • family activities allowing children and parents to learn about science together

Between 2023 and 2024, we are providing up to £220,000 of funding to support science festivals across Scotland deliver science engagement activities for a public and schools audience of 250,000.

Supporting the curriculum

Between 2023 and 2024, a total of £100,000 of science engagement funding will be awarded to two Scotland-wide initiatives that deliver science shows and workshops into schools to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education.

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