An organisation dedicated to science education has become Bermuda’s newest charity.

Carika Weldon, founder and executive director of the Bermuda Principles Foundation, said charitable status would help the organisation broaden its impact.

Dr Weldon, a scientist, said: “Having no role model I could associate with during my upcoming genetics career, I have made it my mandate to be that role model for all who can identify with me as a woman, as a diverse ethnic group, and from a country where science is not the norm.

“We endeavour to inspire the next generation of scientists so there is no longer a minority.”

The organisation, which takes its name from a landmark agreement signed in Bermuda in 1996, has worked since 2016 to improve knowledge of the sciences and, in particular, genetics.

The organisation also organises an annual genetics conference in Bermuda, which brings some of the top minds in the field to Bermuda to discuss their work with each other and Bermudian students.

Dr Weldon said the Bermuda Principles Foundation had launched a new website at bermudaprinciples.org, which gives details of a school tour, a conference and an awards gala.

She added: “We have also launched our 2020 event app. This is an exciting innovative way to receive live up-to-date alerts about the school tour, conference and information on Bermuda.

“Users can also post pictures on the event app as well as share stories on their personal social media networks.

“In addition to all our overseas users who are flying in for our conference, local gala attendees and teachers, the first 40 people to download it will have full access.”

Dr Weldon said the foundation had also launched an online silent auction to raise funds.

The foundation will return to schools with the launch of a student video competition next week and a grub day, along with private tutoring firm Planet Math, to fund free maths lessons and help establish monthly genetics clubs in schools.

For more information or to donate, visit the Bermuda Principles Foundation website at bermudaprinciples.org