Film-maker opens Aberdeen Uni biodiversity centre

AN internationally-acclaimed wildlife filmmaker today opened Aberdeen University’s new Biodiversity Centre which will be used as a major educational resource for schoolchildren in the area.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond: New centre 'places university at heart of supporting delivery of science and environmental education'. Picture: Complimentary

The new centre, which will replace the university’s Natural History Centre, was opened by John Aitchison, who has worked on programmes for the BBC, National Geographic and the Discovery Channel including Frozen Planet, Life, and the Big Cat Diary.

A university spokeswoman said: “Evolving from the institution’s Natural History Centre which has been involving primary school children and families with nature and science for over 18 years, the new centre aims to engage and inspire schools and communities about the importance of the environment.

“The main focus will be supporting teachers in the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence for Scotland. An underlying theme of the centre is to raise awareness of topical science and encourage environmental citizenship, whilst working with partners across the region.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university, said: “The new Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre places the University of Aberdeen at the heart of supporting local teachers in the delivery of science and environmental education.

“The facility provides the opportunity for our resources and research to be used to help to educate and inspire young minds on crucial matters relating to biodiversity.”

Marie Fish, manager of the new centre said: “Understanding the environment, the science and the value of biodiversity is the responsibility of all future citizens and not just those who follow a career in science.

“We aim to provide opportunities to share the exciting research carried by academics at the University and involve young adults in relevant and interesting ideas about their local environment. This will help both schools and communities value, understand and take ownership of the environment and encourage participation in environmental projects.”