Cambridge opens first science centre
Toby McMaster visits Cambridge’s new science hub

Cambridge is a city world famous for its science: from cutting edge research into the biology of cancer at the John Gurdon institute, to the Cambridge Science Park which was the first of its kind in the U.K. It is hardly surprising that there are so many science-based attractions in the city. Cambridge houses two science museums currently: the Whipple Museum of the history of Science and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. But the new Cambridge Science Centre still manages to bring something fresh to the scientific heritage of Cambridge.
The centre is a hands-on interactive experience for people of all ages and from all scientific backgrounds. The site, which opened for the first time to the general public on 8thFebruary, is primarily for 7 to 14 year olds but offers everyone the chance to learn something new about the world around them. I visited the centre, and even as a science undergraduate I learnt much from my visit there.
Professor Ian White, Master of Jesus College Cambridge, which supported the centre by leasing the property on Jesus Lane, attended the Friday launch and said the college hopes “that the Centre will play an important role in inspiring members from all sections in the Cambridge Community and beyond to engage with Science and both to benefit from and contribute to it."
There are a range of exhibits to explore, but what really sets the centre apart is the quality of the individuals on hand to help explain the science. An array of volunteers, particularly PHD and undergraduate students, as well as full time staff are present to answer any questions. This creates an environment where the focus shifts from reading and watching to discussing and understanding. I was particularly struck by watching an expression of wonder spreading over a young boy’s face as one of the demonstrators explained how a human eye focuses on far away objects.
The centre is not directly associated with the University of Cambridge despite support from Jesus College. However it will be heavily involved in the upcoming two week Cambridge Science Festival from the 11th-24thof March, which last year attracted 30,000 individuals. The Late Night Lab, an evening programme for adults including science comedy, workshops and wine is one such event. This is part of a wider effort by the centre to be relevant to adults by providing monthly sessions of this kind to show that child-like curiosity isn’t just for children.
The centre is also hosting a part of the travelling exhibition “Inside DNA: A Genomic Revolution” which is partially funded by the Welcome Trust and based on scientific guidance from the Sanger Institute in Cambridge. This kind of project typifies the aims of the centre, bringing scientific expertise from the prestigious research areas of Cambridge together with something fun and interactive, bidding to inspire a new generation of science enthusiasts.
Gaetan Lee, the Operations and Events Manager for the centre, explained that there had been “almost 200 visitors a day so far” putting the centre on course for over 1000 unique visitors in its first week. Davis, aged 6, said his favourite bit was “the eye camera”, an exhibit which allows you to view the world through the water-filled eyes of a nautilus, a squid like creature. Davis also said he would like to do more science at school. David’s Grandfather, who has little background in science himself, commented that it had been a very enjoyable experience and that they would be likely to visit again in the future. These discussions were typical of the enthusiastic atmosphere in the centre, which was alive with the spirit of inquisitive minds, young and old alike.
Time will tell how successful the centre is, but this first stage is designed to prove demand, before it looks to move to a much larger site in a couple of years. It is a well-planned and exciting project and there is certainly no shortage of interest for the time being.
For more information see links below:
http://www.cambridgesciencecentre.org/
http://www.visitcambridge.org/things-to-do/cambridge-science-centre-p540251
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