About us
Learn about our mission, story and impact
Our mission
The climate crisis, recent pandemics and world food scarcity are constant reminders that the world needs more scientists and entrepreneurs to tackle global challenges.
We are a registered charity with a mission to educate and empower young people to engage with science, technology, and entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation and problem-solving, and equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to change the world.
Our story
Educational outreach has been an important part of Science Creates’ story since it opened its first incubator in 2017. It was then that our Founder, Charlie Proctor, realised the importance of showing young people where real, groundbreaking science takes place.
What began as a series of one-off ‘school’s days’ led to a regular outreach programme and the launch of our independent charity. The demand and impact of this outreach was so evident that we designed a dedicated STEM learning space, The Learning Lab, which opened in 2022.
Our impact
Based in The Learning Lab at Science Creates Old Market, we offer behind-the-scenes tours of deep tech science laboratories where entrepreneurs are advancing the health of people and our planet. Our curriculum-linked workshops and the opportunity to have conversations with researchers and engineers spark young people’s interest in science.
By putting young people in the heart of working science laboratories, surrounded by scientists of different ages, genders and backgrounds, we show them what it’s like to be a scientist and that science is done by people just like them.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach's CEO, Charlie Proctor, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Charlie Proctor
Founder
Charlie is the visionary founder and CEO of Science Creates Outreach, and she possesses extensive expertise in orchestrating daily operations and processes. Formally a primary school teacher here in inner-city Bristol, she is fuelled by a passion for providing every young person the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the world around them.
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Ben Hetherington
Head of Outreach (maternity cover)
With a degree in Chemistry and extensive experience of teaching science to students from Key Stages 2-5, especially those with SEND needs, Ben brings his passion for education to his role as Head of Outreach. Content and resource development, classroom pedagogy and communication skills allow him to develop meaningful experiences for young people.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach's Charity Development Manager, Chris Ball stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Chris Ball
Charity Development Manager
Holding a degree in Business Studies, with a specialisation in Charity Fundraising Management, Chris brings a wealth of expertise in strategic growth and innovation to the team. Alongside this role, Chris runs a successful furniture design and manufacture workshop, and is passionate about educating young people about entrepreneurialism and careers.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach's Digital Content Creator, Rachel, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Rachel Stratton
Digital Content Creator
Rachel utilises her degrees in Chemistry and Science Communication, alongside her artistic creativity, to produce impactful digital content for Science Creates Outreach. Highly passionate about creating inclusive and accessible learning environments, Rachel has worked with multiple outreach organisations breaking down barriers to STEM education.
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Ayanda Mthembu
Volunteer Outreach Administrator
Ayanda holds a BTEC Diploma in Medical Science and draws on her passion for laboratory work and research through her role as a Volunteer Outreach Administrator. Ayanda is particularly interested in enhancing young people’s appreciation of science and building meaningful experiences that benefit the community through Science Creates Outreach.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach Volunteer, Freskida Goni, stood in front of scientific equipment in a lab.]()
Freskida Goni
Volunteer Outreach Administrator
Freskida volunteers to help drive the mission of Science Creates Outreach forward. She has a PhD in Chemistry, and brings a wealth of scientific knowledge, coupled with expertise in events and communications. She is committed to making a positive impact on the world and is passionate about education and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach Trustee, Caroline Clark, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Caroline Clark
Trustee
Caroline, an engineer with expertise in startups, business operations, company culture, consultancy, and higher education, is the co-founder of Zebera, an innovation platform empowering young minds to solve real-world problems. Driven by a passion for people, she has fostered valuable collaborations, and impactful connections for the charity.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach Trustee, Jeremy Tavaré, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Jeremy Tavaré
Trustee
Jeremy is the founder Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Bristol, holds a PhD in Biochemistry and is deeply passionate about science. Recognising the significance of inspiring the next generation, he serves as the Chair of our Board of Trustees. Jeremy brings extensive expertise in governance, finance, and company reporting.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach Trustee, Harry Destecroix, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Harry Destecroix
Trustee
Harry is the founder of Science Creates ecosystem, and holds a PhD in Chemistry. His childhood curiosity led him to dismantle and understand things, igniting a passion to instil that love of science in the younger generation. He is an expert in deep tech, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, and is passionate about science education and innovation.
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![A black and white picture of Science Creates Outreach Trustee, Ginny Russell, stood in front of shelves of beakers in The Learning Lab.]()
Ginny Russell
Trustee
Ginny is the Knowledge Manager for Robotics at the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and she holds a degree in Marine Biology. Passionate about science, particularly ocean and deep-sea exploration, she excels in science communication. Whether presenting live events or crafting digital content, Ginny skilfully inspires audiences of all ages.
