The Glasgow attraction that's out of this world

The category, sponsored by the Evening Times, is part of the Glasgow Business Awards, organised by the city's Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Bank of Scotland.

And all this week we are showcasing the six contenders.

The winners of this award and many others will be announced at a black-tie ceremony and dinner at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday, October 6.

Once we've profiled the contenders we'll let you know how you can vote for your favourite.

Fifteen years ago, a decidedly futuristic building opened for business on the banks of the Clyde. The Glasgow Science Centre was about to make its mark.

"It's been quite incredible," says the current chief executive, Dr Stephen Breslin. "It has gone on to become one of Glasgow's favourite destinations.

"My evidence for that is not our visitor numbers. It's anecdotal as well - everywhere I go, people speak to me about the place. They tell me about great days they have had here, and about how much they love it.

"From my point of view, it's more important to change the way people feel about science. I'm looking for visitors to leave here feeling more positive about science and a bit more confident that they can engage and have had their interests stimulated. I want them to leave with a burning desire to find out more."

Anyone who has ever seen kids entranced by the exhibits at the Science Centre will recognise that the subject is far from being a dry or academic one. There are more than 300 interactive exhibits across the Science Mall's three floors.

And last year was the centre's best ever in terms of attendances.

Opened by the Queen in 2001, the centre has welcomed visitors from all over the world. Famous visitors have included Andy Murray, Ewan McGregor, David Tennant and Robbie Coltrane.

The venue has been breaking down barriers by reaching out to community groups that generally don't have a science background or who don't think science is for them. "The aim has been to say to them, 'Science is for you - it's relevant to all our lives'," says Dr Breslin.

"Globally, we are going to be faced with some pretty big challenges: climate change, population increases, dwindling natural resources - and for a large part the world is going to be looking to science for solutions.

"It's critically important that the scientists who are developing these solutions can engage with the public throughout that process. Good science is no longer enough. The general public has to be convinced that the science that is being proposed is safe and can offer real benefits."

The Science Centre has also been doing its bit to get more girls attracted to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. "We are trying to get really positive female role-models, of whom there are many. A large number of our science communicators are young, well-educated female scientists.

"That's the most positive thing you can do for young people - to put other young people in front of them who are maybe just a few years older, and who are pursuing a scientific or engineering career. The young people can identify with them."

The Science Centre had a major success with its £1.5m Powering The Future exhibition, which focused on the science and technology used to supply energy in the UK and highlighted key issues that we are likely to face in the not-too-distant future.

The centre's Planetarium now has a spectacular, state-of-the-art, full-dome digital projection system, with presenter-led star shows and also now full-dome films.

"We're continuing to develop the whole centre," is how Dr Breslin sums it up. "And over the next six to 12 months we'll be developing an area dedicated to science- and engineering-related skills.

"What we have here is a magnificent platform, and over the next year we will working on the programme and the activities on that platform. We're in great shape and are very fortunate to be where we are."

* Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/