The Wellcome Trust is giving £1.3 million to the National Museum of Scotland to help fund six new science and technology galleries, to open in 2016.

The development is the third stage of an £80m plan to restore the Victorian building in Edinburgh.

The Wellcome Trust support will focus on biomedical science, including genetics and prosthetics.

The six galleries are part of a £14.1m project to display National Museums Scotland’s various collections.

The aim is to make the museum an international hub for science communication and dialogue.

The project will be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scottish Government and other grants and donations. National Museums Scotland is working to secure remaining funds for the galleries’ 2016 opening.

The second phase of the £80m plan to restore the National Museum of Scotland was completed in 2011, when 16 new natural world and world cultures galleries were opened.

Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland, said: “Championing excellence and innovation, the new Science and Technology galleries will provide inspiration for the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. The generous support of the Wellcome Trust will enable us to reveal the richness and complexity of science, especially biomedical science, for our public, engaging and inspiring audiences for years to come.”

Clare Matterson, director of strategy at the Wellcome Trust, added: “From discovery to display, with plenty of debate along the way, the objects held in these collections represent some truly fascinating stories about biomedical science and those who helped to shape our understanding of it. The Wellcome Trust is delighted to support National Museums Scotland in the development of their new Science and Technology galleries, which will begin a new phase in the lives of these objects and provide a wonderful opportunity for the public to engage with the stories behind them.”