FAQ - General

Accessibility: The National STEM Centre website and eLibrary conform to the latest website accessibility standards. One of the benefits of this is that it is possible to increase the size of the text within the site without disrupting how the site functions. To increase the text size in Internet Explorer select ‘View’ from your browser menu bar, followed by ‘Text Size’. Please contact us if you have other accessibility queries.
Does the National STEM Centre offer funding for schools, colleges or STEM organisations?: The National STEM Centre is not a funding organisation and does not award any grants.

The Centre is currently offering two specific funding projects to support STEM teachers and lecturers:

- During 2010/11, in partnership with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, we are offering a small number of grants to foster STEM Knowledge Networks in schools and colleges. The application process for grants has now closed. If you are interested in finding out about the work of a STEM Knowledge Network in your region, please contact us.

- In August 2011 we will be running a residential summer school for teachers new to A-level Mathematics. Attendance at the summer school is subsidised by funding from the Clothworkers’ Foundation. Applications for the 2011 summer school are not yet open. To be notified of the application opening date, please register for our Newsletter and/or newsfeed.
Does the National STEM Centre offer training?: The National STEM Centre team includes colleagues with STEM education expertise, who often contribute to conferences and events. For further information please email enquiries@nationalstemcentre.org.uk.

Many organisations offer formal continuing professional development opportunities for STEM teachers and lecturers.
How can I find out about STEM support in my region?: Visit STEM in your region to find out about a range of STEM educational support in your region. This section of the site also provides a context for major STEM industries and employers in your region.
How can I find out more about STEM?: The STEM tab on the top menu bar provides links to a range of information and support for STEM education.
How can I provide feedback?: We appreciate feedback on the National STEM Centre website and eLibrary. Please contact us with your suggestions for improving our service.
How do I keep up to date with the National STEM Centre?: You may subscribe to our Newsletter when you register. To keep up to date with regular News stories posted on the National STEM Centre website subscribe to our news Webfeed.
May I visit the National STEM centre?: Yes. Teachers, lecturers and STEM organisations are welcome to visit the National STEM Centre physical resource collections throughout the year. You may arrange a visit by contacting us, but please give us at least 24 hours' notice. A member of the team will contact you to make arrangements for your visit.

For schools, colleges and STEM Associates who wish to use the Centre’s meeting and events facilities (see ‘What we offer’) please email enquiries@nationalstemcentre.org.uk.

For STEM Associates interested in collaborating with the National STEM Centre please contact the Centre’s Director, Jenifer Burden, by email enquiries@nationalstemcentre.org.uk.
What is the National STEM Centre?: The National STEM Centre was established through funding from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation as a result of recommendations from the 2006 STEM Programme Report. You may find out more about the Centre’s objectives and activity in the ‘About us’ section of this website.

At the heart of the National STEM Centre is our purpose built physical library, housing extensive collections of support materials for teachers and lecturers. The collections are available for visitors to view onsite, and selected collections are available online through our eLibrary.

The National STEM Centre leads the government's STEM Programme, bringing together business, industry, charitable organisations, professional bodies and others with an interest in STEM education to facilitate closer collaboration and more effective support for schools and colleges.

As part of our STEM Programme work the Centre offers facilities to support the work of partner organisations (our 'STEM Associates').