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A £1.9M Science Futures initiative aims to build Tayside’s next-gen science workforce.
Tayside’s science community gathered at Dundee Science Centre on Thursday 7th November for the launch of Science Futures, a pioneering £1.9 million initiative aimed at boosting growth and creating career pathways for the region’s science sector.
Science Futures, which is funded by the Scottish Government through the Tay Cities Region Deal, brings together industry leaders, educators, and local businesses to mark the beginning of a strategic effort to build a strong pipeline of science professionals in the Tayside area.
The launch event highlighted the collaboration between seven key partners in science and education: Dundee & Angus College, Dundee Science Centre, University of Dundee, Fife College, UHI Perth, Abertay University and The James Hutton Institute. Together, these partners are committed to attracting and retaining skilled talent in the Tay Cities region.
Scotland has earned its reputation as a global hub for life sciences, employing over 44,000 people across 750 organisations, with Dundee, recently named as Europe’s number one location for research impact in biomedical and health sciences, situated at the heart of the thriving sector.
Science Futures aligns with other transformative initiatives including Dundee University’s Life Sciences Innovation Hub which is set to open in 2025. Together, these projects form part of the Scottish Government’s £25M Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster Project funded through the Tay Cities Region Deal, which is predicted to support over 800 new life sciences jobs by 2053 and inject more than £190M into the local economy.
While the region’s science sector is booming, a consistent challenge remains: attracting and retaining qualified staff to meet growing industry needs. Science Futures seeks to bridge this gap by developing a robust talent pipeline that inspires young people, provides skills development opportunities for the current workforce, and equips professionals with the expertise to drive innovation both locally and globally.
From initiatives that inspire school pupils to pursue science careers to apprenticeships, work experience placements, and bespoke staff upskilling opportunities, Science Futures provides a comprehensive solution to the region’s science skills gap.
Ronnie Palin, Regional Manager for Skills Development Scotland said:
Investing in skills means investing in Tayside’s future. To support the growth of Scotland’s science sector, particularly in Tayside, we need to address the critical skills gaps while ensuring the next generation is both inspired and equipped for success. Science Futures is a fantastic example of how education and industry collaboration can drive local impact, opening clear career pathways for talent and contributing to Tayside’s sustainable growth.
Science Futures Project Lead, Dr Pamela Duke said:
Science Futures is more than a project—it's a long-term commitment to ensure science continues to thrive in Tayside. By bringing together key partners, we’re creating an ecosystem to make science careers more accessible and ensure that local talent can build rewarding careers in the life sciences without having to leave the region. This will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Tayside’s economy and the wider community.
Science Futures encourages anyone interested in the future of Tayside’s science sector to join its online community for updates, resources, and collaboration opportunities. More information can be found at https://sciencefutures.co.uk/
