Charlotte Cane MP hosts Cambridge Science Centre in Parliament

Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, hosted Cambridge Science Centre for a Parliamentary reception supporting the role of science centres as partners in the UK’s future skills agenda. 

Held at Portcullis House, the event brought together more than 90 parliamentarians, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and educators to explore how early engagement with science and technology can help shape children's aspirations and support the UK's long-term skills and industrial ambitions.

The reception featured a keynote address from Dr David Cleevely CBE, serial technology entrepreneur, co-founder of Cambridge Angels and founding Chair of Cambridge Science Centre, alongside contributions from Charlotte Cane MP and Harriet Fear MBE, Chair of Cambridge Science Centre.

Several MPs were in attendance, as well as representatives from the University of Cambridge and the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation. 

Attendees experienced a pop-up version of Cambridge Science Centre, featuring interactive exhibits including Clean Energy Networks, developed with The Crown Estate, and Imaigo (AI Explorer), designed and developed by Cambridge Consultants. Illumina also showcased Genome Guardians and Genome Explorers, two interactive science shows co-developed with Cambridge Science Centre, bringing the fascinating world of genomics to life. Together, these experiences demonstrated how complex scientific concepts and emerging technologies can be translated into engaging, accessible and inspiring experiences for young audiences.

At the heart of the charity's approach is a commitment to more coordinated, sustained STEM engagement, bringing entire industry sectors together around year-long programmes that connect the UK's economic priorities with meaningful early experiences for children. 

Cambridge Science Centre lies within Charlotte’s constituency of Ely and East Cambridgeshire. Charlotte has previously highlighted the important work of Cambridge Science Centre in a Parliamentary debate in January and visited the site in February. 

Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, said:

“Visiting the Science Centre earlier this year, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how Cambridge Science Centre is engaging young people across the area and inspiring new passions and careers for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

Science centres are going to play a key role in the UK’s future industrial strategy. By creating opportunity for every child, in every community, to pursue STEM, they will build the skills that solve the problems of the future. Cambridge Science Centre are leading the way on this, so I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase their fantastic work here in Parliament.”