Science and Discovery Centre, @Bristol, has been selected to become part of the government’s £51m scheme to create a national network of Science Learning Centres.

@Bristol and its partners, the University of Bristol and the University of Plymouth, will become the Science Learning Centre South West, under the initiative announced by the government earlier this year.

The scheme will see teachers across the country equipped with the latest scientific knowledge and skills to make science lessons more exciting for children and young people.

All of the centres will offer teachers access to laboratories, advanced ICT equipment and innovative courses.

@Bristol and the Science Museum – which, alongside Birbeck University and University College London will form the Science Learning Centre London – are the only two science attractions to be involved in the scheme.

Catherine Aldridge, director of learning at @Bristol, said: “@Bristol is delighted to be running a Science Learning Centre South West. As the only regional provider based in a science centre, we will be able to offer regional teachers innovative and inspiring approaches to science education through @Bristol’s many interactive exhibits and programmes.”

In total, there will be nine regional centres supported by one National Science Centre, based at the University of York.

The first Science Learning Centre will open in autumn this year, with the south west centre opening in spring 2005. The national centre will open in autumn 2005.