top of page
7. Demo interactive touchscreen.jpg

About Us

Igniting Curiosity, Shaping Futures

The NCSC will provide a world-class national interactive science centre for children and young people that will educate the next generation to navigate the complexity of the future and inspire them with the curiosity, intelligence and compassion to reimagine their world.

 

The centre will be transformative for its many audiences and will aim to enrich society with the creativity and values needed to shape a just and positive future for all.

Why a National Children’s Science Centre

The purpose of the National Children’s Science Centre (NCSC) is to inspire and engage young minds with the wonder of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

At a time when the challenges we face—climate change, global health crises and technological transformation—demand innovative solutions, there has never been a greater need to nurture scientific curiosity in children. If the Covid-19 vaccines taught us anything, it is that solutions to the gravest threats to humanity lie in science. Who is to say that the cure for cancer or the next breakthrough in renewable energy will not come from an Irish child, first inspired by a visit to their national science centre?

A Global Gap That Must Be Addressed

Ireland is the only OECD country without a national science centre, a surprising and disappointing distinction given the country’s strong economy and projected population increase. Other nations with less developed economies, such as Kazakhstan and Mongolia, have recognised the importance of such centres in fostering interest in STEM among their youth.

 

Bridging Ireland’s Science Education Gap

 

The NCSC represents an incredible opportunity for Ireland to inspire young minds, foster innovation and position itself as a global leader in STEM education. The rationale for the NCSC is rooted in its potential to address critical gaps in Ireland’s educational and cultural infrastructure while delivering long-term societal and economic benefits.

A science centre like the NCSC will provide a space where children can explore scientific principles through hands-on learning, sparking curiosity and creativity. By engaging with STEM subjects from an early age, children will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health and sustainable development.

Policy Alignment

 

The NCSC aligns with the Irish Government’s STEM Education Policy 2017–2026, which aspires to make Ireland internationally recognised for high-quality STEM education. The policy envisions a learning experience that nurtures curiosity, creativity and collaborative problem-solving.

 

In its Implementation Plan 2017 - 2026, the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman stated: “The Policy Statement vision for STEM education is that ‘Ireland will be internationally recognised as providing the highest quality STEM education experience for learners that nurtures curiosity, inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, ethical behaviour, confidence and persistence, along with the excitement of collaborative innovation."

In July 2023, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education recommended "The National Children’s Science Centre, in gestation for many years, should be opened as a matter of urgent national priority” stating that “it will send out a message that Ireland is very serious about science education for primary and post primary students.”

From a governance perspective, the NCSC will embody transparency, accountability and effective leadership, ensuring it remains a centre of excellence in education and community engagement. By creating a hub for discovery and learning, the NCSC will not only meet the educational needs of the present but also build a foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future.

 

Driving Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship

 

Ireland’s future prosperity depends on cultivating homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship. While multinational tech and pharma companies have contributed significantly to the economy, reliance on these industries is inherently precarious—they are driven by global market dynamics and can relocate operations at any time. To safeguard Ireland's economic resilience, we must foster Irish entrepreneurs capable of building seed businesses that can compete on the international stage.

The NCSC aims to inspire young people to eventually launch their own ventures in science and technology. Homegrown businesses rooted in STEM have the potential to create high-value jobs, and establish Ireland as a leader in sectors such as renewable energy, biotechnology and digital transformation.

The NCSC will be a space where young minds are not only educated but also encouraged to dream big, experiment and think entrepreneurially. In doing so, the centre will play a pivotal role in nurturing the innovators of tomorrow—ensuring Ireland’s competitive edge in an ever-changing global market.

Interactive Learning for a Sustainable Future

 

The NCSC will champion ‘learning by doing,’ featuring interactive exhibits that bring scientific principles to life. These exhibits will focus on the six major transformations outlined in the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the urgent shifts needed to create a fairer, more sustainable world:

  1. Digital Revolution

  2. Smart Cities

  3. Food Biosphere & Water

  4. Decarbonisation & Energy

  5. Consumption & Production

  6. Human Capacity & Demography. 

In addition to its exhibits, the centre will deliver outreach programmes, touring exhibitions and digital initiatives to connect with communities nationwide, ensuring that schools in both urban and rural areas benefit from its resources.​

Science lights
Science exhibit
Science brain
Girl and exhibit
Cosmos

Find us: 

National Children's Science Centre

North Wing, Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin D02 N527, Ireland

© 2025 by NCSC. 

Irish Children's Museum Ltd
Registered Charity Number: 20041731

Call us: +353 01 416 0043

Email us: 

info@nationalchildrenssciencecentre.ie

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • X

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

bottom of page