Calling All Young Scientists! Sun Safety Meets STEM at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre’s Summer Workshops

This summer, families across North-West England and beyond are invited to step into the lab and explore the science behind sun safety, as the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum in Widnes launches its interactive Sun Protection Scientist Workshops, running from 9th–22nd August.

Supported by a coalition of industry sponsors - Boots Soltan, Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance, Croda, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), Global Cosmetic Developments, Symrise Ltd, Tancream, THG LABS and The Cosmetics Cluster UK - the workshops will give young people the chance to become scientists, uncovering what the sun’s UV rays do to our skin, how sun protection products work  and why wearing sunscreen is essential, whatever the weather.

“This Summer programme is part of Catalyst’s ongoing mission to bring science to life in a meaningful way, enhance access to STEM enrichment and inspire the next generation of innovators and scientists,” explains Lucinda Lewis, Education Manager and Deputy CEO from Catalyst.

Combining hands-on experiments with real-world science, these fun interactive sessions are designed to spark curiosity.  Children will learn more about the science behind suncare and how it can protect our skin, explore UV-reactive materials, and discover the chemistry that powers the products we use every day. For added impact, a UV photo booth will be available throughout the two-week programme, allowing families to test how effectively they’ve applied their sunscreen.

Sessions will be running twice daily, and tickets for the Sun Protection Scientist Workshops are £2.75 per person in addition to the normal admission charge. You can book on the website here. 

The UV photo booth sponsored by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance will remain on-site for the duration of the programme and is available to all visitors during centre opening hours.