WINCHESTER Science Centre has joined a national campaign to protect the attraction and others for the future.

The Science Centres For Our Future campaign launched on Wednesday (May 27) brings together over 40 members of the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), and is calling on the government to set up a £25 million Emergency Resilience Fund to support the UK’s world-class network of regional science centres.

Science centres like Winchester Science Centre cannot apply for the Arts Council or Heritage Emergency grants and, without government support, many UK science centres are at risk.

The campaign is being supported by some of the UK’s top science advocates, including renowned academic and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts and leading regional figures, including MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford, Steve Brine.

Mr Brine said: “Living locally, I’ve had first-hand experience of seeing what a valuable asset Winchester Science Centre is, not only to my family and my constituents, but also the wider region. The fun, vibrancy of the science centre is what families love, and it’s this experience that helps build children’s confidence and curiosity in science and complements their formal education.”

Following restrictions on movement the centre closed its doors in March, however its charity has continued its mission to spark curiosity in STEM through its Science@Home programme of activities, however, the centre has seen much of its funding streams were cut.

Ben Ward, CEO of Winchester Science Centre, said: “Science Centres, like ours in Winchester, are a vital part of the government's recovery from this pandemic and will be essential in preventing and mitigating future crises. We inspire, educate and inform the general public about cutting edge science and here in Winchester we are committed to ensuring that this is accessible to everyone no matter their age, ability or background. Our aim is to inspire a generation of future STEM superstars.”