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Techniquest is a science and discovery centre in Cardiff Bay, Wales. There are also centres in Wrexham, Llanberis, and Oakwood Theme Park. Techniquest was established in 1986, and in 2007 celebrated its 20th anniversary. Techniquest gives visitors a hands-on approach to science. It includes a science theatre, a planetarium, and a discovery centre.
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What is Techniquest?
Techniquest is an educational charity, established in 1986 and based in Cardiff, Wales. Their mission is to engage people with science and to motivate them to learn more and they also address science-related areas such as maths, engineering and technology. The Techniquest Team work extensively with public audiences, and provide a range of services to schools and teachers to compliment the formal education provision in Wales. Techniquest has a local and world-wide reputation for creating excellent programmes and exhibits, and the staff includes leading experts in science communication. For audiences, Techniquest represents a kind of experience that is accessible and stimulating. It will provide choices to suit a range of abilities and interests, and will include surprises, participation, interactivity and discussion wherever possible.
What does Techniquest do?
Techniquest operates exhibitions, shows and programmes intended to make science accessible to people throughout Wales, and to improve the quality of public debate about science and technology. The main site in Cardiff Bay is a top visitor attraction and provides a comfortable, clear and highly enjoyable experience for all ages. Exhibitions, science theatre, planetarium and much more is on offer. Visitors can also find the Techniquest "experience" at three other locations in Wales, in Wrexham, Llanberis and Oakwood. Techniquest takes exhibitions and programmes to special events at many venues around Wales, from shopping malls to major cultural events such as the National Eisteddfod. They also offer comprehensive education services for schools, plus further activities through schemes such as Wales Gene Park, mathcymru, Science Café Wales and Teacher Science Network. To provide this range of experiences, Techniquest maintains an active design and development arm, with excellent workshops and facilities. They also work with a range of partners and other experts, and this approach plays a very important part in delivering their mission. Partners include academics, scientists, industry and government, both within Wales and internationally.
How is Techniquest funded?
As an independent registered educational charity, Techniquest is funded from a variety of sources. The Welsh Assembly Government provides approximately 1/3rd of the funding, particularly to support schools programmes. Admission charges help to meet operating costs, whilst grants and other earned income are also essential. They are currently seeking £12m of capital funding to develop our sites and our services over the next 5 years.
