A SERIES of science workshops based around the theme of space have been held across Basingstoke and Deane.

Organised by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) with Queen Mary’s College (QMC) and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the workshops held this week were aimed at primary school children.

Around 250 pupils were expected to take part in the workshops hosted at QMC, in Cliddesden Road, and delivered by a team of AWE scientists.

These workshops coincided with British Science Week.

AWE’s community engagement manager, Philippa Kent, who runs the company’s award-winning schools programme, said: “British Science week is a great opportunity to raise the profile of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) in our local schools.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with QMC and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver this great fun programme of activities, designed jointly by AWE scientists and staff at the college’s Science Centre.”

Ali Foss, principal of Queen Mary’s College added: “Queen Mary’s College has a long-held reputation for delivering, supporting and championing high quality science education across the Basingstoke region.

“To this end we are pleased to be working in partnership with AWE and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to support this exciting week of events for budding scientists from our local primary schools.”

The workshops took place from Monday to Wednesday with transport for schools being provided by the borough council.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Councillor Simon Bound added: “We are delighted to work in partnership with AWE and Queen Mary’s College to celebrate British Science Week. Inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers is key to the long-term economic success of our borough, which is home to many innovative businesses.The amazing facilities at the Science Centre at the college, which have been supported by AWE for many years, offer primary school pupils the chance to have a first-hand experience of the world of opportunities science and engineering can open up for them.”

For more about British Science Week, go to britishscienceweek.org.