WIREDGOV

Organisations across Wales are being encouraged to bid for funding from the Welsh Government for projects to bring the wonder of science to children and young people and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Announcing the next round of the National Science Academy Grant Scheme, Economy and Science Minister, Edwina Hart said science and innovation were vital to driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs for Wales.

She said:

“We need to create an interest in science, mathematics and engineering among young people in Wales from an early age. This fund has been created to support exciting and engaging new ways of doing this.”

Funding is available to any project that helps promote, communicate and better coordinate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enrichment activities among 3 to 19-year-olds.

Grants will be awarded by the Welsh Government’s National Science Academy, which has invested in excess of £2.2m since 2012 in a number of schemes to promote STEM subjects among young people.  Previous projects supported have included competitions, workshops, events and awareness raising campaigns.

Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Julie Williams said:

“We will need one million new scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians in the UK by 2020. We also know that an average job involving science pays more than others and makes a considerable contribution to the success of the Welsh economy.”

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 29 July 2015.