New initiative aims to boost Tayside's science workforce
A pioneering £1.9 million initiative is aiming to boost growth and creating career pathways for Tayside'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.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Chairs the Tay Cities Region Deal Employability and Skills Group, which is investing £20million across the region through the deal.
Other partners including Dundee & Angus College, Dundee Science Centre, University of Dundee, Fife College, UHI Perth, Abertay University and The James Hutton Institute gathered for a launch event to mark the latest initiative.
Ronnie Palin, Regional Skills Planning Lead at SDS, 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 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 £25million 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 £190million into the local economy.
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.
Ronnie Palin
Regional Skills Planning Lead, Skills Development Scotland
Science Futures aims to develop 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.
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.”
Pictured above L-R: Dr Morag Martin, Biomedical Cluster Manager, Dr Pamela Duke, Science Futures Project Lead, Ronnie Palin, Regional Manager for Skills Development Scotland.
Find out more
Science Futures encourages anyone interested in the future of Tayside’s science sector to join its online community for updates, resources, and collaboration opportunities.