The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth has been highlighted as a vital hub for green skills, climate solutions and STEM education during a Westminster debate.
Montgomeryshire Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden extolled the pioneering work of CAT during a Westminster Hall debate on the valuable role of Science and Discovery Centres in delivering the UK’s national science and technology priorities.
The debate formed part of a national Science Centres For Our Future campaign spearheaded by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC). The campaign calls on the UK Government to provide £19.5 million match-funding to address urgent infrastructure risks and secure the future of these centres.
The centres, located across the UK, play a unique role in inspiring curiosity, building public trust in new technologies and developing the skills needed for future growth.
They reach millions of people each year – including thousands of schoolchildren – and help address the UK’s critical STEM skills shortage, estimated to cost the economy £1.5 billion a year.
Supported by an open letter signed by over 3,100 scientists, academics and business leaders, the debate called for Government recognition and investment to secure the future of these centres, which are currently excluded from infrastructure funding available to museums and libraries.
CAT has been pioneering sustainability for more than 50 years, combining cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future.
Postgraduate degrees and professional training at CAT equip individuals with expertise in renewable energy, sustainable building and environmental science – skills critical to achieving the UK’s net-zero and industrial strategy goals.
Mr Witherden spoke about his own personal relationship with CAT and explained why it’s so important for the region.
He said:
“My connection with science centres – and in particular, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr’s own Centre for Alternative Technology – is deeply personal. It is, in fact, the reason I am here today representing my constituency.
“My father was the first in his family to go to university, where he studied Agricultural Economics. After graduating, my parents moved to Montgomeryshire in the 1970s and settled in Machynlleth. They were among the founding members of the CAT, one of the oldest science centres in the UK.
“For over half a century, CAT has combined cutting-edge research with world-class education to accelerate the transition to a zero -carbon future. It is not just a centre; it is a catalyst for change – locally, nationally and globally.”
CAT trains hundreds of postgraduate students each year and delivers carbon literacy programmes to councils across the UK.
It also inspires thousands of schoolchildren through workshops and STEM engagement initiatives, such as Bold Futures, which empowers young people to imagine and create positive visions for a sustainable future.
The debate urged ministers to work with the sector on solutions to ensure they can continue inspiring future generations and supporting national priorities in science, technology and sustainability.
Open to members of the public, the debate called on the Government to recognise Science and Discovery Centres as vital national assets and to provide the support needed to secure their future.
