New House of Science opens in Kista

On Monday, the House of Science opened a new branch in Kista, in a collaboration between KTH, Stockholm University, the City of Stockholm and other partners. 

“Here, children and young people can step outside the classroom, experiment and discover technology and science in new ways,” says Fredrik Boström, head of primary education in Järva, who spoke at the opening ceremony. 

KTH President Anders Söderholm emphasises the importance of sparking an interest in science and technology at an early age. 

“Research shows that around Year 5, children begin to form ideas about their future, and this is also when they start to develop their identities,” he says. 

Kista is also one of Stockholm’s major technology and business hubs, bringing the new centre closer to both local schools and the companies and research taking place in the area. Here, pupils can encounter researchers, businesses and new technology. 

The new centre was designed by Alexander Sjölund, Noel Sjöberg and Roza Ergasheva, all fifth-year architecture students at KTH. Their aim was to create an environment that offers experiences beyond the ordinary school day. The House of Science will also offer after-school activities, giving children and young people the opportunity to try experiments and explore science and technology. 

The architecture students sourced materials from a range of organisations, including companies and partners such as Scania, InspireLab and Stocket Återbruk. 

The initiative is aimed particularly at young people in Järva, with the long-term goal of creating more pathways from school to higher education and the labour market. Businesses will contribute through role models, work placements, mentoring and professional networks. 

The ambition is for Järva to become a national example of how schools, academia and businesses can work together to strengthen young people’s confidence in the future and encourage an interest in science and technology. 

Text: Rita Nou