Oxford schoolchildren will step into the world of artificial intelligence this month when the Curiosity Cube, an interactive mobile science lab created by Merck, arrives at Greyfriars Oxford Catholic School.
The lab will be on site from Tuesday 23 to Wednesday 24 September, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students aged 8 to 13.
Now in its fourth annual tour, the Curiosity Cube is an 8 x 2.5-metre solar-powered science lab travelling across Europe, the US, Canada, and, for the first time this year, Africa. Its mission is to spark curiosity in STEM subjects and help students see themselves as scientists.
The initiative is supported by University of Oxford volunteers, who will guide pupils through three interactive AI experiments using tools such as Ozobots and LiteBrite.
Merck’s research shows that while many children aspire to STEM careers, they often lack confidence in their abilities. The Curiosity Cube aims to change this narrative by encouraging curiosity, boosting self-belief, and introducing students to diverse role models working in science and technology.
According to the UK Department for Education, STEM employment grew by 22% between 2013 and 2023, outpacing non-STEM fields. Yet many students, and even their parents, still perceive barriers to entering these careers.
In fact, 63% of parents admit they would discourage their children from pursuing STEM. Merck hopes initiatives like the Curiosity Cube can break down these misconceptions and highlight the wide range of opportunities available.
“Tomorrow’s scientists are currently aged between 8 and 13 years old,” a Merck spokesperson explained. “The Curiosity Cube helps them realise they are already natural scientists, giving them the confidence to imagine themselves in STEM careers.”
This marks the second time the Curiosity Cube has visited Oxford, following a successful stop last year that saw hundreds of local students take part in scientific demonstrations and experiments. By the end of 2025, Merck expects the project to reach more than 20,000 students across 130 events in Europe alone.
Although the Oxford event is private and not open to the public, media are invited to attend, capture footage, and meet with Merck representatives.
