A new gallery and science experience that animates scientific processes through a hands-on mix of objects, digital media and interaction is to be added to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science) in Miami, US, with its opening scheduled to happen by the end of 2019.

The project has been made possible by a US$10m (€8.7m, £7.62m) grant from the University of Miami (UM), which is to be directed towards the development of experiences that will advance the prominence of both institutions in the field of informal science communication. The 6,000sq ft (1,828sq m) gallery will showcase the university’s cutting-edge research science.

It's hoped that the exhibition will spark curiosity, especially among young people, in current science, inspiring them to pursue an education in STEM disciplines and ultimately become the next generation of scientific innovators.

"This exhibition will have a major impact on our institution," said Frank Steslow, president and CEO of Frost Science, "inspiring future STEM leaders and allowing our guests to have direct access to the rich scientific research programmes, academic expertise and professional skills of the university."

New York design firm Thinc has been appointed to bring the project to fruition, having already conceived and designed Frost Science’s Gulf Stream Aquarium, the centrepiece of its three-level aquarium. Part of the creative concept will be to use live data and ongoing research that continually updates, so staying current with the fast-changing nature of science and discovery.

Tom Hennes, founder and creative director at Thinc, said the aim was to present current science at UM as "part of a great quest and a fascinating journey into the unknown – a fundamentally creative human endeavour that demands curiosity, intuition, imagination and serendipity".