Being a home of innovation and science is one of the many things we can be proud of in Nottinghamshire. There is no better place for the Festival of Science and Curiosity to be held, and it is back for another year, with events across the county continuing all half term.

This festival once again helps inspire the scientists of the future. From the invention of the traffic light, the development of the painkiller ibuprofen and being the home of the first tarmac road in the world, we have a rich history of innovation in Nottinghamshire. 

And looking ahead, we are involved in new and exciting projects all the time.

Our council led on the creation of new online maps, which have helped residents search for which of the UK’s main providers offer the strongest mobile phone signals at street level. We know having good mobile phone signal can be essential for most of us, especially those who need to access online healthcare services, use smart metres or charge an electric vehicle.

We are also leading on a project to provide faster and more reliable internet for places like schools, libraries and community centres in rural areas across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The planned world-class STEP fusion site near Retford aims to revolutionise the way we generate energy thanks to cutting-edge technology. It will provide a massive skills boost with on-site apprenticeship and training centre planned. Thousands of new jobs will be created – and not just for scientists, a full range of jobs will be on offer.

The STEP Fusion Energy Café in Worksop is also a brilliant resource for the local community to learn more about fusion energy.

Another new attraction, the planetarium at the Sherwood Observatory, is already a great asset to the county and is the first new planetarium of its size in the UK for more than a decade.

We are also investing in new state-of-the-art schools which are currently taking shape, such as specialist school Horizons Academy in Mansfield and a new primary school at Thorsby Vale, Edwinstowe. 

We also offer a free resource which offers insight and analysis of the latest local trends to help with research, funding bids and ultimately help attract more investment to the county. Search ‘Nottinghamshire Observatory’ to find out more.

There are so many exciting developments which make the most of latest technology happening right here in Nottinghamshire, and I look forward to more to come.

Councillor Keith Girling, Nottinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management