Merck’s Curiosity Cube Mobile Science Lab Brings Hands-On Science Education to Leicestershire
September 18, 2024 @ 8:00 am - September 20, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
| Merck, a leading science and technology company with facilities across the UK, along with elementary and middle school students and educators. Follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_merck and #SPARKCuriosity. |
| Merck’s Curiosity Cube mobile science lab is making a three-day stops in the Leicestershire as part of its third annual tour. This is in partnership with Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park and the University of Leicester. |
| Tour stop dates and locations:
Wednesday, 18th September Beamont Leys School Thursday, 19th September Madani Schools Federation Friday, 20th September De Lisle College, Loughborough |
| According to the European Commission, by 2030, there will be 50 million open vacancies worldwide for positions requiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills. With this growth in jobs, there is an urgent need to train the next generation of scientists to fill this pipeline.
However, the next generation doesn’t recognize the breadth and depth of career possibilities in STEM. According to research conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Merck, 64% of students have dreamed about a career that uses science or math, but 48% find it hard to see themselves as a scientist, despite having a curiosity for STEM. “Leicestershire is home to a thriving and growing life sciences sector, for this growth to continue it is essential that we inspire the next generation to ensure our transition to a sustainable knowledge-based economy. Our Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute engages in STEM focused, industry led activity throughout the region, and we are delighted to partner with Merck to bring a such a valuable and inspiring resource to our students in Leicestershire” Gosia Khrais, Commercial and Marketing Director, Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park. To help young minds build confidence that they are equipped for STEM careers, Merck is showing students that science is all around them through its Curiosity Cube mobile science lab. The Curiosity Cube is designed to spark scientific curiosity and passion early—paving the way to a future filled with innovative breakthroughs and encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. This year, the Curiosity Cube is continuing its promise to engage with students across the continent, holding 150 events as part of its third European tour. In 2024, the Curiosity Cube makes it’s first stop in Leicestershire in partnership with the Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park and the University of Leicester, to host three events that underscore the company’s commitment to the area. “Inspiring children and young people to engage with STEM subjects at school and throughout their further education is key to helping them, understand the world around them, and in realising their aspirations to become our next generation of STEM leaders. The University of Leicester is dedicated to widening participation for all, and we are delighted to partner with Merck, a leading life science industry partner, to help Leicestershire students develop their passion for science, technology and mathematics.” Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Leicester
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