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National Science Academy to promote STEM subjects in Wales |
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Aim to encourage subject take ups from primary to university level.
A National Science Academy (NSA) is to be established in Wales, to promote the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The aim is to encourage the take up of these subjects from primary school through to university level and provide an advisory service on research careers, and developing collaborative models of research and research employment, and highlighting exchanges between researchers within Wales and beyond - in universities and with business.
The Academy will cover all Wales with four regional hubs and one central hub based at the Wales Institute of Mathematics and Computational Science in Swansea University.
Regional hubs will be based at Techniquest Cardiff and Wrexham, with the remaining two hubs location to be confirmed.
The primary method of communication will be via a comprehensive website with content appropriate for different user groups ranging from key stages one to three to Directors of Research Institutes.
Its role will be to coordinate current and future initiatives designed to promote the uptake of STEM subjects, influence the STEM agenda in the school curriculum and actively undertake and promote initiatives that span the STEM ‘supply chain’.
£2 million funding has been allocated to deliver the NSA.
The NSA will promote a positive image of these subjects to the public, highlighting Welsh successes and leading edge research capability, promoting good practice via case studies and providing a conduit for reliable learning and careers information.
Also, launching a STEM mentor service to ensure interested individuals receive information on STEM initiatives and provide a link to any help or advice needed.
Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills said: "We need people with these skills to support the industries and technologies of tomorrow, to drive forward innovation in business, to stimulate research and development in universities and attract investment to Wales."
Further information:
Welsh Assembly Government |
