Dundee Science Centre is to receive nearly £250,000 from the Scottish Government to help create an interactive exhibition showcasing medical technology developed in the city.
Scottish Government science minister Shirley-Anne Somerville announce the £248,000 funding deal on a visit to the Science Centre on Wednesday morning.
She also revealed the Scottish Government will pay another £250,000 to support a number of science festivals across Scotland, including events planned in Dundee and Fife.
Linda Leuchars, chief executive of Dundee Science Centre, said: “We are delighted to have received this significant contribution from the Scottish Government towards our £2 million upgrade and expansion programme, which includes the introduction of a major new exhibition.
“This ambitious development not only adds huge value to the visitor experience but also reinforces our deserved reputation as a hub for lifelong science learning and public engagement within our community.”
Medical technologies invented in Dundee include Ambulight PDT, a light-emitting sticking plaster used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating non-melanoma skin cancer.
Ms Somerville said: “Science festivals allow people of all ages, irrespective of gender or background, to interact with researchers, support science learning and promote careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“They help inspire not only our next generation of scientists, but also their families, adult learners and the general public.
“Science centres play a key part in this and I am pleased we are helping Dundee Science Centre to enhance its facilities and enable it to continue building on the great work it is doing, particularly in engaging hard to reach audiences.”
Ms Somerville also visited Dundee and Angus College to learn about its Future Skills programme, which helps school leavers into jobs.
She also visited St Andrews University’s Guardbridge Energy Centre where she announced the Scottish Government is to provide £20 million through the Scottish Funding Council to help universities reduce their carbon footprint.
Aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of Scottish universities by up to 20%, the scheme offers interest-free loans for projects that save money and reduce carbon emissions.
Four Scottish colleges have already benefited from a £3.8 million investment in energy efficiency pathfinder projects through the Scottish Government’s Capital Stimulus Programme, announced in September 2016.
Ms Somerville said:“We’ve made bold commitments on reducing our emissions and this fund encourages and rewards the universities pushing the boundaries and making a real difference.”
