THE Science Shop, a joint collaboration between the University of Ulster and Queen’s University which supports hundreds of community groups across Northern Ireland, has celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The Northern Ireland Science Shop benefits the community and voluntary sector across the region and is part of the wider European network of Science Shops.
The Science Shops support community organisations in developing research projects which can be carried out by students as part of their degree programme.
Over the past 25 years the Science Shop has delivered almost 2,500 projects and worked with more than 650 community groups including sports clubs, youth groups and recycling centres in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the benefit of the Science Shop to the local community, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “The work carried out by the Science Shop projects is fantastic and has such a positive impact on our local communities.
“Not only do our communities benefit from the projects, the students also benefit from implementing the skills they have learnt during their degree studies. The Science Shop should be immensely proud of their achievements over the last 25 years.”
Professor Anne Moran, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster said: “The Science Shop is a 25 year partnership between both universities which continues to contribute valuable research expertise and enable knowledge transfer into the community and voluntary sectors.
“It is a mutually beneficial endeavour in which students can see how their skills and knowledge can be applied and make a difference in the real world, while the voluntary and community groups can access expertise and research data that can shape and inform their services, policies and strategies.
I am confident that the University of Ulster and Queen’s University can continue to build upon the success of the Science Shop for future generations.”
Queen’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor James McElnay, said: “The Science Shop is a powerful initiative harnessing the talents, knowledge and enthusiasm of students at Queen’s and the University of Ulster.
“Over the past 25 years, it has become a tremendous force for good, making a real impact on communities around Northern Ireland. It encourages students to apply their knowledge and learning to real-life problems, helps them to understand the challenges facing various groups within our society, and encourages them to give back to the community.”