Decade of discovery: Cambridge Science Centre's 10-year partnership with AstraZeneca

Over the past 10 years, AstraZeneca’s support has played a vital role in enabling the Centre to deliver engaging, hands-on science experiences for children, families, and schools – both at its permanent home and through outreach into local communities.

One of the first major collaborations was the Centre’s flagship LifeWorks! exhibition in 2016. This imaginative, interactive exhibition encouraged visitors to puzzle through DNA, build jointed creatures, and explore seed dispersal in the popular wind tunnel – laying the foundation for years of impactful life sciences learning.

Soon after, the Science in Pictures programme invited children to learn about drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry through creative, hands-on activities such as pipetting and microscopic observation. Their vibrant circular themed artwork – inspired by common tools in science like petri dishes and lenses – went on to decorate the hoardings of AstraZeneca’s Cambridge site during its construction, a celebration of young curiosity made visible in the heart of the city.

As the partnership has evolved, so has the reach of Cambridge Science Centre. Even during challenging times – including the pandemic and the Centre’s relocation – AstraZeneca’s ongoing support enabled the expansion of PopUpScience hubs and community events.

In summer 2023 alone, over 13,000 children and families attended roadshows in Cambridge and Peterborough, reflecting the shared commitment to making science fun, hands-on and accessible to all.

Now based in its new long-term home at The Trinity Centre in Cambridge Science Park, the Centre continues to flourish with AstraZeneca's backing.

This spring, the partnership took centre stage once again at a ‘Super Heroes’ event, where an AstraZeneca apprentice and STEM Ambassador, Christina Dumitriu Jackson, shared her inspiring journey into science with local schoolchildren – highlighting the many pathways into STEM careers.

In a delightful new chapter of the relationship, Cambridge Science Centre has also worked with AstraZeneca to design a bespoke programme of STEM-based activities for toddlers at the company’s workplace nursery – sowing the seeds of scientific curiosity from the earliest years.

Rebecca Porter, CEO of Cambridge Science Centre, said: “Without AstraZeneca’s long-standing support, so much of what we’ve achieved simply wouldn’t have been possible. Their investment in our mission has enabled us to bring science to life in the heart of communities—sparking curiosity, joy, and learning for children and families from a broad range of backgrounds.

“It’s a real milestone to be celebrating ten years of collaboration with AstraZeneca. Their backing has helped us grow in ambition and reach, opening the door to high-quality STEM experiences for audiences we might never otherwise have reached. We’re excited for what the next chapter holds and the lasting impact we can continue to make together.”

Lisa King, Director UK STEM and Community Engagement at AstraZeneca, said: “At AstraZeneca, we believe providing students with access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement opportunities plays a pivotal role in inspiring, motivating and supporting the next generation to solve tomorrow's challenges.

“Our partnership with Cambridge Science Centre has been rewarding for all involved, enabling us to reach thousands of young people and spark their curiosity about what science can do. We are proud to support such an impactful Cambridge organisation as part of our broader UK STEM outreach programme, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”

Cambridge Science Centre is empowering young minds through captivating STEM workshops, interactive exhibits and innovative learning experiences.

Businesses play a crucial role in partnering with Cambridge Science Centre, bridging the gaps in STEM education, and nurturing the next generation of employees and innovators.

Having reached half a million young people in our first 10 years, Cambridge Science Centre remains the only space in East Anglia to offer STEM-focused family experiences. It is based at The Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0FN.

You can also engage by contacting the team on 01223 967 965 or by accessing: www.cambridgesciencecentre.org