The Turner Kirk Centre for Spatial Reasoning launched on 16th September with a packed programme of events.

The day started with an opportunity for members of the press to hear about the background of existing research in spatial reasoning and how these formed a foundation for the Centre's launch. Opportunities were provided to interrogate and explore the purpose of spatial reasoning research and hear examples of how work in this area could benefit society.

This was followed by a school visit to Kelvindale Primary, where pupils were engaged in lessons as part of the Centre's flagship project, the STEM SPACE Project. We were delighted to observe the pupils engaging with the MathsBURST lessons, seeing them interact with the spatial reasoning activities and applying them to their maths learning. The headteacher, Gillian Roulston, applauded the project and indicated that their participation had so far demonstrated gains in maths and spatial outcomes, despite the Kelvindale pupils already performing above average for the country.

a teacher holds up two sticks of coloured cubes, explaining to their class.

Kelvindale Primary teacher, Martha Scott, leads a MathsBURST lesson with her P5 pupils.

Following the school visit, the Centre was officially launched at a lunch event at the principal's lodgings. The Head of the College of Science and Engineering, Eric Yateman, welcomed the launch of the Centre and supported the Centre's aims. Dr Ewan Kirk and Professor Quintin Cutts also talked about the Centre's launch as a catalyst for positive change in Scotland's tech ecosystem and beyond.

people present at the principal's lodgings for the cnetre launch: Maria grey, Andrew Brown, Eric Yateman, Muffy Calder, Jack Parkinson, Quintin Cutts, Ewan Kirk and Trish Turner

The launch lunch at the Principal's Lodgings hosted several key Centre stakeholders and interested parties (from left to right): Maria Grey and Andrew Brown representing the Scottish Government; Eric Yateman, Head of the College of Science and Engineering; Muffy Calder, former head of the College of Science and Engineering; Jack Parkinson and Quintin Cutts representing the Centre staff; Ewan Kirk and Trish Turner representing the Turner Kirk Trust; and Margaret Clift, Head of Strategic Philanthropy.

The day was rounded off with a set of activities, led by Dr Jack Parkinson, for participants to try out spatial reasoning in practice. The activities involved spatial skills tests, MathsBURST lesson plans, spatial development workbooks and bespoke LEGO challenges. 

ewan kirk and aislinn burke attempt lego activities

(Left to right) Ewan Kirk and Aislinn Burke (a STEM SPACE Project Champion from Glasgow City Council) have a go at the LEGO activities designed by Jack Parkinson.

First published: 19 September 2025

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