This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Wendy Alexander announces million pounds boost for Scottish Science
23/07/2001
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Wendy Alexander, today announced a million pounds boost to help make science more accessible.
The new money is to be awarded to the Scottish Science Trust, whose remit is to create greater public understanding of science, engineering, and technology.
Scottish Executive funding of £400,000, will be supplemented by £600,000 of private sector cash to help the SST invest in IT resources, education projects and to establish joint marketing initiatives for Scotland's Science Centres.
Ms Alexander said,
"This award of £400,000 to the Scottish Science Trust demonstrates our commitment to developing the network of Scottish Science Centres.
"Science plays a vital role in Scottish society - in our past, and in our future too. The network of science centres is already encouraging Scots of all ages to have fun with science and learn how science impacts on our world and society.
"Everybody needs to be scientifically literate. We need to have the skills and awareness to make sense of our modern, technological world and be able to read between the lines when science moves so quickly.
"Crucially, we have to encourage our children to pursue their interest in science. Science should be informative and thought provoking - it should also be fun, creative and exciting in order to stimulate continued interest in young people. The Science Centres throughout Scotland have made science accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
"Their work and that of the Scottish Science Trust is opening new doors, creating new futures for a new generation of Scottish innovators."
BACKGROUND
- The Scottish Science Trust was formed in 1997 and is an overarching body for public understanding of science, engineering, technology and medicine in Scotland. It has been a major factor in the establishment of a network of Science Centres in Scotland and is developing a range of projects to encourage dialogue between scientists and the public and to promote access to science and technology for all.
- The network of Scotland-wide Science Centres includes Satrosphere in Aberdeen, Sensation in Dundee, the Glasgow Science Centre and the Big Idea in Irvine.
News Release: SE1737/2001
23 Jul 2001