How Techniquest is flying the flag for STEM and supporting future generations across Wales

Net Zero Industry Wales spoke to our new member Techniquest about their work to engage young people, open up new pathways, and support the take up of STEM subjects in schools and colleges across Wales.

Can you tell us about how Techniquest came about?

The UK’s longest-established Science Discovery Centre, Techniquest, was founded in 1986 in Cardiff city centre; we moved down to Cardiff Bay the following year, before becoming the country’s first purpose-built science centre in 1995.

Bringing science to life through hands-on engagement is at the heart of Techniquest’s mission: making learning fun and opening up new pathways for curious minds to follow. The most recent chapter in the story of Techniquest is the addition of the Science Capital extension in 2020, which has transformed the centre once again by adding more space and more exhibits.

What does net zero industry mean to you?

To us, net zero industry means contributing to a sustainable economy by being innovative, resilient and responsible about our environmental impact.

It is about reducing scope 1 & 2 emissions, exploring innovation that addresses scope 3 emissions, and introducing effective management practices (including better resource sharing and waste reduction). It also involves improving operational efficiencies, influencing policy change, advocacy work and a focus on public engagement.

Techniquest has a lot of experience of successfully engaging young people through schools and colleges. How does it do that? What’s the biggest challenge there?

Techniquest is Wales’s largest STEM enrichment provider ― that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics for anyone unfamiliar with the term. For nearly 40 years we have played a vital role in Wales’s education and engagement landscape by building science capital — a combination of knowledge, attitudes, experiences and networks that influences whether or not young people see science as “for them”. Research shows that individuals with higher science capital are significantly more likely to pursue STEM careers.

We have long-standing, trusted relationships with schools across Wales and engage with them both on-site and through digital programmes. Our offer is constantly evolving to meet the STEM curriculum throughout the year. We engage young people through immersive exhibits, dynamic workshops, and inspiring science communicators: Techniquest sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps young people from all backgrounds to see science as relevant and achievable. Our mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for STEM — particularly among communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the sector.

Children in deprived areas of South Wales are falling behind in education and face significant barriers to STEM learning. Schools struggle to afford enrichment activities like visits to Techniquest — and with rising costs, fewer can make these trips happen. The biggest challenge for schools is often funding and specifically the high cost of transport. Bus travel has become increasingly expensive. In response, we fundraise to help subsidise visits for schools that would otherwise struggle to afford the trip.

How can Wales make sure its future generations are happy and successful in their working lives?

Delivering on the principals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act would be a good start, as well as investing in communities and the talent pipeline to ensure that jobs of the future can be filled by today’s Welsh students.

How can we support Wales in helping to achieve the Wellbeing of Future Generations national indicators and national milestones?

We can play a role by hosting events and exhibitions on the links between climate and health, educating visitors about climate change and sustainability, and delivering STEM outreach in underserved communities. For example, we can contribute to Indicator 41 — “Emissions of greenhouse gases”— by raising awareness and helping drive positive behaviour change.

Tell us what Techniquest has planned for this year and beyond

Intentional sustainability is one of our strategic priorities, building on our previous decarbonisation efforts to accelerate improvements. We will benchmark our progress, set realistic, relevant targets and share our learning and progress as we go. We’ll develop a roadmap to reduce our own environmental impact as well as helping visitors to Techniquest take steps to reduce their own impact.

We also plan to build a network of contacts to support our progress, upskill our Environmental Impact Manager through targeted training, and roll out a communications plan to share our approach and future goals.

Learn more about Techniquest here.

Follow Techniquest on LinkedIn here.