The mobile science lab, the Curiosity Cube, powered by science and technology company, Merck, visited Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park on September
17-19. Hundreds of pupils from schools across the county, including Madani Boys and Girls Schools, Beaumont Leys School, and Limehurst Academy, had the chance to become scientists for the day. Students witnessed science demonstrations by various companies that are part of the Charnwood Campus Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute – including Almac Group, Kindeva Drug Delivery, and Weiss Technik. They were joined by the University of Leicester and the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Careers Hub, as part of the LLBSP.
A hands-on approach to learning
A group of scientists from the University of Leicester joined in delivering innovative and practical-based lessons to pupils in years 7 and 8. They explored the difference between AI photos and real photos to understand and recognise authenticity, the ways in which our brains and AI learn about the world around us, and modelled how AI uses pattern recognition and machine learning to operate self-driving cars.
Dr Lynne Howells, from the University’s Institute of Precision Health, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative to encourage young people to engage with STEM subjects. We know that the use of artificial intelligence is vast and continuing to grow, with its uses already proven in the development of new technologies and health care innovations, among many others.”
“This fascinating area gives us a chance to explore all aspects of STEM – Science Technology, Engineering and Maths – in such a manner that we hope to harness their enthusiasm for a career that uses one or all of these in ways that relate to the world around them.”
In addition, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre’s lifestyle team and School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences outreach team also supported the wider STEM engagement programme across all three days. Their focus was on health and topics related to genetics, with fun hands-on experiments.
Breaking down barriers to STEM careers
Launched in North America in 2017, the Merck Curiosity Cube program, which is now solar powered, has expanded, traveling to schools, science museums and public events across Europe since 2022. 2 of 6 Stefanie Rammer, Merck’s Curiosity Cube Program Lead for Europe, said: “With Merck’s Curiosity Cube program, our mission is to spark curiosity for the next generation of scientists
around the world. Through hands-on learning, students can engage in real-world science experiments with real-life scientists, learning first-hand about STEM careers right in their own
communities.”
“Watching students have their ‘aha!’ moment is the most rewarding part of the day in the Curiosity Cube, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with the University of Leicester to help make this possible.”
Despite the growing demand for STEM professionals, many students struggle to see themselves in these careers. A recent survey funded by Merck found that nearly half (48%) of middle school students find it difficult to envision themselves as scientists — despite engaging in STEM-related activities every day. The Curiosity Cube helps students make this valuable connection by providing access to STEM education in a fun and memorable way.
In 2024, the Curiosity Cube engaged more than 43,000 students across Europe and North America, visiting 14 countries and hosting 282 events. This year, the Curiosity Cube embarked on its fourth European tour, aiming to connect with 20,000 students via more than 130 events. Each stop on its tour is supported by employee volunteers who share their passion for science, providing students with real-world insights into STEM careers.
A growing impact across Europe
Since launching in 2017, the Curiosity Cube has visited hundreds of communities, with a special focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved students. This year, the European tour is making stops in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and the U.K. building on its success of recent years to continue inspiring future scientists.
Supporting quotes from partners
Charnwood Campus
Gosia Khrais, Commercial and Marketing Director: “We are thrilled to welcome the Merck Curiosity Cube to Charnwood Campus this September. Hosting over 500 Leicestershire students for this interactive STEM experience reflects our deep commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. This year rather than travelling round the shire, we have invited the schools to come here. By opening our campus and bringing science to life in such an engaging way, we hope to spark curiosity and passion that could shape future careers and breakthroughs in the life sciences. It’s about planting the seed of possibility—and letting young minds imagine just how far science can take them.”
Almac
Dr Frances Weldon, Associate Director, STEM Outreach: ‘Almac is delighted to support this STEM event for pupils in the Leicestershire area. A career in the pharmaceutical industry offers a rewarding and exciting opportunity to Advance Human Health, whether it be in laboratory, manufacturing or office-based roles. As a global organisation with world-class drug
development and manufacturing facilities here in Charnwood, we are proud to invest in the next generation and inspire future scientists and engineers through impactful Outreach’
Kindeva
Helen Derbyshire, Staff Scientist: “Kindeva is proud to support this initiative aimed at raising awareness of STEM across Leicestershire and inspiring local students to explore the diverse
opportunities available in STEM-related careers. As a leading pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) based in Charnwood, we are uniquely
positioned to showcase the breadth of roles within the pharmaceutical industry that STEM subjects can lead to. We’re thrilled to be part of this event and to help ignite curiosity and
ambition in the next generation of STEM talent.”
Weiss Technik
Brett Green, Managing Director: “Weiss Technik are happy to support the next generation by participating in this insightful STEM event for the Leicestershire pupils at Charnwood Campus
for the Curiosity Cube. We are a world leader in environmental testing, offering solutions that are used around the world in research and development as well as in the production and
quality assurance of numerous products within the pharmaceutical industry.”
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Careers Hub
Gerarde Manley, Strategic Lead: “Students attending from Beaumont Leys School, Limehurst Academy, and Madani Boys and Girls Schools will have an amazing STEM experience
experimenting in the Curiosity Cube over the next three days. This is an opportunity for them to connect directly with innovative life sciences businesses based on the Charnwood Campus
and inspire them about all the possible future careers in the life sciences sector, which is such a key industry for Leicester and Leicestershire. I am delighted that, as the Careers Hub, we are
able to collaborate on this project and strengthen the links between education and industry so we can help every young person find their best next step.”
Join the journey
The 2025 Curiosity Cube tour continues to bring science to life for students across Europe. To learn more about upcoming tour stops, visit TheCuriosityCube.com or follow the journey on
Instagram at @curiositycube_merck.
Article provided by Medilink Member Charnwood Campus.