MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has launched its global 2025 Curiosity Cube tour. The solar-powered mobile science labs aim to bring hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiences to communities across North America, Europe, and, for the first time, Africa. The initiative seeks to reach 60,000 students worldwide, with a particular focus on fostering early interest in STEM careers and demonstrating the fun and excitement of science. Tim M. Jaeger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, emphasized the importance of the Curiosity Cube program. "Technological advances and scientific breakthroughs are reshaping our world, and it's crucial to inspire early interest in STEM careers," he said. "By bringing hands-on experiments directly to students in their local communities, we are breaking down barriers to science education and making it accessible. This year, the new AI-focused lessons will give students a glimpse into the future of technology, encouraging critical thinking and digital fluency." The 2025 Curiosity Cube tour includes several highlights: Africa Debut: On June 10, 2025, the Curiosity Cube will make its debut in Africa, covering 100 events across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. This expansion aims to make science education more accessible and interactive for African students, complementing Merck’s ongoing efforts in the region. North American Tour: The seventh North American tour is set to include 140 events, visiting major cities such as Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, and others. Each stop will provide students with engaging, hands-on experiments and activities. European Tour: The European leg of the tour will feature more than 130 events, traveling to Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K. The mobile labs will offer a range of interactive science lessons to spark curiosity among students. Additionally, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has opened the Curiosity Labs™ STEM Center in Darmstadt. This permanent facility will provide local students with 11 interactive science lessons throughout the year, further enhancing the impact of the Curiosity Cube initiative by offering year-round access to high-quality STEM education. The 2025 curriculum of the Curiosity Cube is designed to introduce students to artificial intelligence (AI). With AI increasingly influencing daily life and work, the lessons will help students understand how AI functions and how to use it responsibly. These hands-on activities aim to foster critical thinking and equip young people with the digital skills necessary to succeed in a technology-driven future. The AI-focused lessons will use a variety of learning tools and technologies, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. MilliporeSigma’s commitment to STEM education extends beyond the Curiosity Cube tours. The company's broader mission is to contribute to scientific discovery, biomanufacturing, and testing services. With a workforce of over 27,000 employees and more than 55 manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, MilliporeSigma offers a vast portfolio of over 300,000 products. These initiatives and resources support the company’s goal of making a positive difference in people's lives through innovative and sustainable technologies. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company that operates globally across healthcare, life science, and electronics. Founded in 1668, the company has a rich history of scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship. It generated sales of €21.2 billion in 2024 across 65 countries. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company, ensuring a long-term commitment to innovation and sustainability. Industry insiders have praised the Curiosity Cube program for its innovative approach to STEM education. They highlight the importance of making science accessible and engaging for young students, particularly in underserved regions. The inclusion of AI-focused lessons is seen as a forward-looking strategy that prepares students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Companies like MilliporeSigma play a vital role in shaping the future of education and inspiring the next generation of scientists and technologists. For more information on the Curiosity Cube and to follow the 2025 tour schedule, visit TheCuriosityCube.com and follow @curiositycube_milliporesigma on Instagram. Those interested in receiving news releases from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, can subscribe via email at www.emdgroup.com/subscribe, especially residents of the U.S. and Canada who need to re-register due to newly introduced geo-targeting.