Mohammed Attaur Rahman

Executive Summary:

Rooted in a personal quest to satiate a young child's curiosity about the universe, the Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C (RSI) was born out of an identified need for a more accessible and inclusive approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) learning. Mohammed Attaur Rahman, our Founder and Chief Executive Director, embarked on this journey when he noticed a significant lack of representation in STEM learning environments, and resolved to address this disparity.

RSI's mission is to empower young individuals, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to explore STEM fields, thereby cultivating a deep passion for science and technology within them. We are committed to developing inclusive programs that inspire disadvantaged youth, with the overarching goal of dismantling barriers that prevent these communities from accessing STEM learning opportunities. Our approach is rooted in the belief that everyone plays a role in shaping the future of our youth, fostering a sense of collective responsibility within our communities.

The success of RSI's efforts is evidenced by the growing support and participation in our annual Rochdale 

Science Extravaganza event. What started as a small initiative, despite limited funds and experience, has now grown into a significant annual event, attracting more funding, content, and attendees each year.

The RSI team, led by five passionate voluntary directors, brings a fresh perspective to STEM outreach and engagement. Our team's unique background outside of research allows us to approach our work with a unique edge and a deep understanding of the communities we serve.

We are deeply grateful for the support we've received from numerous individuals and organisations, including the British Science Association, The Ogden Trust, the Institute of Physics, and the Rochdale Borough Council. These invaluable contributions have fuelled our journey since our inception in 2017, and we are optimistic that this support will continue to enable our mission in the years to come.

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission of making STEM learning more accessible and representative of our diverse society. By inspiring the next generation and actively dismantling the barriers to their success, we are not just fostering a love for science   we are helping to shape the future of our communities.