July 05, 2021 | University Partners

Liverpool John Moores University experts help create new Science + Discovery attraction

BETTER LIVING advice from LJMU experts is a key theme at Eureka – Merseyside’s new ‘Science + Discovery’ visitor attraction.

The centre which is set to open in summer 2022 at Seacombe Ferry Terminal, will now be known as Eureka! Science + Discovery and the team this week launched a new teaser video and website to excite and inspire audiences as work on the site gets underway.

LJMU is among the partners creating exhibitions and interactive ‘attractions’ aimed at inspiring a new generation of young scientists and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) superfans.

LJMU was recently ranked 15th in the world for sport science in the QS Rankings and academics from the School of Sport and Exercise Science are  helping curate the healthy living section of the centre:

  • Eat Right – sports nutrition
  • Sleep right – sleep science and circadian rhythms
  • Think right – sport psychology
  • Move right – biomechanics
  • Train right – cardiovascular science, coaching and training principles.

Eureka Science + Discovery  has been co-created with young people, local communities and experts Liverpool City Region, and is designed not only with a more health-conscious generation in mind but also to tackle skills challenges in economy.

More than 120 young people have been involved so far in designing the exhibition content, working in partnership founding partner Ørsted, alongside Unilever, Sci-tech Daresbury, Arup, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and LJMU.

“We hope Eureka! Science + Discovery inspires millions of young people and families to get excited and engaged with science and STEAM subjects,” said Eureka!’s Chief Executive, Leigh-Anne Stradeski.

The £11.75m attraction has been funded by several partners, including a £6.4m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund.

Knowledge economy

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Our museums are an integral part of our world-class offer to visitors - and a key reason why our region is the country’s cultural capital.

“As someone who is passionate about skills and technical subjects, I’m especially delighted to see they’ll be putting a special emphasis on STEAM subjects. Who knows how many engineers and scientists of the future might be inspired by their visits to Eureka! Science + Discovery?”

Other key funders and partners include Wirral Council with the attraction playing a key part in extensive regeneration plans to revitalise Birkenhead, its iconic waterfront and the wider Left Bank area, along with investment and support from The Johnson Foundation, and BEIS, UKRI and Wellcome as part of the Inspiring Science Fund.