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Learning Strategy 2020-2030

This next phase of the Group's learning strategy acknowledges our rich history, whilst being newly ambitious in terms of reach, reputation and innovation.

The Science Museum Group is a recognised and crucial part of the STEM education ecosystem and works in partnership with educators, employers, funders, government and many others nationally and internationally.

This next phase of the Group’s learning strategy acknowledges our rich history, whilst  being newly ambitious in terms of reach, reputation and innovation. It embraces the SMG values of thinking big, revealing wonder, sharing authentic stories, igniting curiosity and being open for all. It sets new standards both for the quality of our audiences’ experiences with SMG and for our own working practices.

Background: a century of innovation

The Science Museum Group, from its origins in the Great Exhibition of 1851, has a long history of engaging people of all ages with science. Young people have been a particular focus since the establishment of the Science Museum’s first children’s gallery in 1931.

Today, we remain at the forefront of STEM education and communication thanks to our Wonderlabs, Explainers, work with schools, expert training, festivals and events that explore both historic and current scientific research.

STEM engagement is at the heart of what we do, and we use the concept of science capital to shape our work and provide us with research-based insight into what influences and shapes people’s engagement with, and attitudes towards, science. We inform, inspire and encourage learning on-site, as well as through outreach and online. We ignite curiosity around STEM by assisting discovery through active participation and social interaction.

SMG brings together the richness of object-based museum learning with the engagement of interactive galleries. In the context of a changing and uncertain society, where inequalities are increasingly visible but “where most people believe that science and technology are a force for good both now and in the future”, we can make a significant contribution to shared efforts to introduce both more and a more diverse range of people  to STEM and the opportunities it holds for them as individuals and for society.

Learning is embedded throughout SMG and this document gives strategic direction for everyone in the organisation at every location, not just the Learning team.

Inspiring futures: Strategic Priorities to 2030