The British School of Barcelona (BSB) has opened an innovative technology centre to promote the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as the development of the transferable skills that this multidisciplinary approach offers.

Located in Castelldefels, this state-of-the-art centre includes a large scientific laboratory equipped with the latest technology that offers total flexibility to carry out practical experimental work. The space simulates an environment similar to that found both at university and in the workplace, thus responding to the need to prepare young people with the essential skills that will enable them to meet the demands of their career path.

To mark the opening of this cutting-edge technology centre, BSB held an opening event with the participation of Germà Rigau, Managing Director of Cognita Spain and Italy; Jon Locke, Executive Director of BSB, and Marie Mulhall, Director of Learning Science at BSB. Licia Verde, Professor at ICREA and ICC (Institute of Cosmos Sciences) of the University of Barcelona and award-winner of the King Jaume I Award on Basic Research, also attended the event.

Germà Rigau dedicated a few words highlighting that “delivering great learning experiences involves attracting and supporting the best teachers and providing them and the students with inspiring spaces and tools.”

Astrophysicist Licia Verde, a highly regarded female in the scientific arena, gave a motivational talk to the students at the opening event, underlining the need to develop STEM skills for the future, regardless of the professional area. “We live in a knowledge society. Science and technology are everywhere. Everybody needs some understanding of science, but this is something that is not built overnight. Go in there, never stop asking questions, never stop experimenting and, most importantly, have fun.”

Congratulations to all involved in the development of this project, we are very excited to see the continued commitment to preparing our students with the practical knowledge and skills required to respond to the demands of university and future workplaces.