The Ri’s Young Scientist Centre attracts thousands of school students and families each year who take part in curriculum-linked, hands-on workshops that bring science and technology to life.
Based in the heart of London, it will now be known as the Urenco Young Science Centre (UYSC), and both organisations will work together to develop a new themed workshop for 2026/27 to enhance young people’s learning of physics, through a focus on sustainable energy and nuclear science.
The existing centre is a purpose-built laboratory that encourages young people to explore their passion for science in an engaging setting, sparking their curiosity and deepening their understanding.
Throughout the course of Urenco’s support for the UYSC it is anticipated that around 12,000 young people aged 7-18 will become ‘a scientist for the day’, just a few metres away from the Ri’s basement laboratories where world-famous scientists like Michael Faraday conducted their own experiments.
CEO of Urenco, Boris Schucht said:
“Together with the Royal Institution, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future - one young scientist at a time. Our collaboration is more than just educational - it reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, and opportunity, with a particular focus on engaging under-privileged groups.”
Director of The Royal Institution, Katherine Mathieson, said:
“The Ri is a home for science and everyone is welcome. We’re looking forward to working with Urenco, developing additional workshops and continuing to extend the Centre’s reach, further inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
A launch event was held on July 15 where both the Ri and Urenco signed the new partnership agreement.
Urenco’s international head office recently relocated to Paddington, London and the organisation hopes to encourage schools from low socio-economic areas near Paddington to visit the UYSC.