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Celebrating British Science Week 2024

Staff and students from across WMG at the University of Warwick had another busy, fun-packed British Science Week, taking part in a total of seven special STEM events reaching out to more than 1,100 young scientists, teachers, and families.

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths running from 8-17 March. It’s a chance to look into the future and celebrate the impact scientific ideas can make on society.

WMG staff and students were supported by the Outreach Team at the University of Warwick’s Resonate Festival of Science and Technology; hosted sciencePicture shows school science experiments as part of British Science Week days at local schools and held an event at the Coventry Transport Museum for parents and children embracing home schooling.

The Resonate Festival of Science and Technology welcomed over 500 people. Here them team ran an area called ‘Experience Engineering’ which featured science experiments; the opportunity to write code to control a digital embroidery machine; the navigation of robotic vehicles through a maze and more. Visitors were also able to meet the undergraduate student teams from Warwick Racing, Warwick Rail, Warwick Sub, and CyberWomen@Warwick.

WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, Professor Margaret Low, explained: “These experiences allow students to see how their school learning applies to complicated and world-changing technologies. Through our outreach programmes we hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, widen participation in higher education and foster a culture of diversity in the future STEM workforce.”Picture shows the WMG Outreach Team

WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator, Dr Phil Jemmett, added: “WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult have outreach activities that are designed to give students a sense of ownership, since there are always elements they can re-create or try out at home. All the experiments we use in science shows or at public events are written up on our website under WMG Experiments, and we show the audience how it all works.

“It’s never magic – this is something anyone can do if they put their mind to it. We want to show people how exciting science and engineering can be, and that anyone can be an engineer.”

Caroline Cannon, WMG’s Outreach Project Officer added: “None of this would be possible without our brilliant network of helpers from within WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. They dedicate their time, on top of their busy day jobs and family commitments, to extend the reach of our programmes and to ensure the students have really memorable STEM experiences. We are so grateful to them.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programmes here: Outreach and Widening Participation (warwick.ac.uk)

Wed 20 Mar 2024, 16:10 | Tags: HVM Catapult STEM Education Public engagement Outreach

Ready, Set, Go! The University of Warwick and 62 Coventry schools unite for the Flame of Friendship Torch Relay

Picture shows the official launch of the Flame of Friendship Torch RelayIn anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, The University of Warwick, in collaboration with 62 Coventry primary, secondary, and special educational needs schools, officially launched the Flame of Friendship Torch Relay on Thursday 22nd February.

The torch relay kicked off with a spectacular launch ceremony at Coventry Cathedral, featuring a procession led by Team GB Water Polo player Amelie Perkins, who carried the torch to its first destination, Southfields Primary School.

As the relay unfolds, the torch will journey to 62 schools across Coventry, culminating in a momentous grand finale at the University of Warwick on the 8th July.

The torch has been custom made for this event, following a competition in which over 2000 Coventry pupils took part. The winning design, from a Year 7 student at Finham Park School, was manufactured at WMG as a project done by four Rugby College students currently undertaking T Level-related activities with WMG.

Led by Rebecca Bollands, Deputy Head at Earlsdon Primary School, and supported by the Warwick Institute of Engagement on behalf of the University of Warwick, the Flame of Friendship Torch Relay aims to foster unity and collaboration among Coventry schools in the spirit of the upcoming Olympic Games.

Kerry Baker, Associate Director at the Warwick Institute of Engagement said “I’m so proud of all the people that have had a hand in making the Flame of Friendship a real, physical thing – taking ideas and solutions from the brains of 12- to 50-year-olds and combining them to make something so unique, so stunning, and so representative of Coventry. It’s an honour to be able to support our community in such a fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

At the Finale on Monday 8th July, over 1000 Coventry pupils and teachers will line the road on the University of Warwick campus and join a procession as the torch passes by, making its way along the final relay leg to Butterworth Hall at the Warwick Arts Centre, pausing in the Piazza where members of the Royal Opera House will lead the participants in an Olympic themed dance.

For more information and to view the route of the torch visit our website.

ENDS

Media Contact
University of Warwick Press Office contact:
Kat Beauchamp, Communications Officer
Phone: 07880175408
Email: Katherine.beauchamp@warwick.ac.uk

Mon 26 Feb 2024, 14:26 | Tags: Partnerships Warwick News Outreach

Students inspired at Engineering Industry Day

On Wednesday 7th February, the Outreach Team at WMG, University of Warwick hosted an Engineering Industry Day.Picture shows the WMG Engineering Industry Day

The Team welcomed over 100, year 9 and 10, pupils who were identified by their teachers as students, from groups under-represented in engineering and STEM careers, with an interest and a potential to do well in those subjects.

The students came from schools across the West Midlands region including the WMG Academies for Young Engineers in Coventry and Solihull; Barr’s Hill School and Community College; Bishop Perowne C of E College, Foxford Community School, Meadow Park School and Nicholas Chamberlain School.

The group was welcomed by Professor Margaret Low, WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation; Dr Phil Jemmett, WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator; Caroline Cannon, WMG Outreach Project Officer, and Rebecca Sanderson Senior Programme Manager for Schools from the Royal Academy of Engineering. They were introduced to the various industry partners before heading over to the Degree Apprenticeship Centre (DAC).

The event was supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult through the Inspiring Young Engineers project which aims to foster a positive culture of engineering in young people and create the future engineering workforce.

At DAC the students had the opportunity to chat with representatives from industry partners including; Aston Martin; Balfour Beatty; Bentley; Bosch UK; Capgemini, Collins Aerospace; Honda; National Grid ESO; Polestar; Ramboll; 3P Innovations; SMP Alliance; Severn Trent and Lisi Aerospace.

The industry partners gave advice and guidance about the skills and knowledge required to become an engineer, and a snapshot of what an engineer is and might do in a variety of roles.

Picture shows the Warwick Moto student projectAlong with their teachers the students heard more about the research being carried out at WMG. They also had the chance to see the student projects including Warwick Racing, Warwick Moto, Warwick Submarine, Warwick Robotics and CyberWomen@Warwick, and chat to WMG apprentices.

They also received information from the School of Engineering about how they can study to become an engineer and learnt more about the Degree Apprenticeship route into engineering too.

WMG’s Outreach Project Officer, Caroline Cannon, who organised the event, explained: "We know that role models are an important part of outreach and STEM enrichment sessions, but it is daunting for students to approach and talk to industry professionals. This event was designed to show the vast array of engineering opportunities from different sectors of the engineering industry and give them a valuable interaction with positive role models.”

Paula Carmichael from WMG Academy for Young Engineers said: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you for today, it was a really good event that had just the right number of activities versus talks. I know how much hard work goes into this, from lost property to keeping the talks to the right timings, there was a great mix of companies and stands over the breaktime. Much better than a normal career fair, certainly the way forward.”

Dr Phil Jemmett from the WMG Outreach team said: “When we talk about engineering and how it could fight global challenges or make life easier for people, it's easy to forget the engineers who work on these massive projects. Events like our Industry Day aim to link young people up with those very engineers who are working on some of the biggest challenges our society faces. We want to inspire young people to imagine themselves as engineers in the future and picture what they would design to help our planet."

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programme here: https://warwick.ac.uk/wmgoutreach 

 

Thu 08 Feb 2024, 12:14 | Tags: HVM Catapult STEM Outreach

Six £15,000 bursaries awarded to talented engineering students from the West Midlands

Six engineering students from the West Midlands have each won a bursary worth £5000 a year for three years to support their university studies. The awardees were announced today (7 December) at an event at WMG at the University of Warwick to celebrate three successful years of the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme.

The six recipients of the Lord Bhattacharyya Higher Education bursaries were announced by engineer and social entrepreneur Yewande Akinola MBE HonFREng, who was the keynote speaker at the celebration event held at the National Automotive Innovation Centre in Coventry.

The Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme aims to widen participation in engineering by attracting young people in the West Midlands from low-income backgrounds andPicture of the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya other groups currently underrepresented in engineering. Launched in 2020, the five-year programme is led by the Royal Academy of Engineering in close partnership with WMG. It is funded by the Department Science, Innovation and Technology as a tribute to the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya Kt CBE FREng FRS, a renowned engineer, academic, educator and government advisor who established WMG at the University of Warwick in 1980. The Programme provides a comprehensive package of engineering-focused science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) support, including grants to schools and colleges, teacher networking and CPD opportunities, funded industrial secondments, as well as individual FE and HE student bursaries.

The six bursary recipients are:

  • Natasha Daniels, studying civil with environmental engineering at the University of Brighton
  • Ecaterina Falinschi, also studying civil with environmental engineering at the University of Brighton
  • Saara Hussain, studying general engineering at the University of Warwick
  • Wafiq Hussain, studying aeronautical engineering at Imperial College London
  • Jamie Phillips, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Plymouth
  • Kelly Zheng, studying engineering with a foundation year at the University of Liverpool

Since 2020, a total of over £400,000 has been awarded in bursaries to 28 students.

Over 150 people from schools, colleges and engineering industries in the West Midlands attended the event to celebrate the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme. The event featured secondary schools and further education colleges demonstrating to invited guests some of the projects that have been supported by the Programme and helped to enrich science, technology, engineering and maths teaching and learning.

The day also included inspirational speakers and hands-on activities, including a competitive group challenge delivered by Jaguar Land Rover’s Powertrain team, and an immersive session in TATA Motors’ VR lab and tour of their cutting-edge research facilities. More than ten other locally based engineering employers were also on hand to give students an understanding of the region’s engineering excellence and career opportunities.

Dr Rhys Morgan, Strategic Projects Director for Skills and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said of the celebration: “The energy and enthusiasm shown by the students, and indeed everyone else present at the event was fantastic to witness. The creativity and diversity of thought shown by the students is exactly what West Midlands businesses will need from their future engineers and technicians in order to thrive and contribute to the local and national society and economy.

“My congratulations too to the six students awarded bursaries who have already taken the next step towards becoming engineers and I wish them every success.”

Professor Margaret Low MBE, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation at WMG, said: “The Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme has been a valuable support network for local schools and for teams at the University who work in partnership with our community. It has brought together teachers, students, academics, and industrial partners to create inspiring opportunities for all.

“The bursary awards encourage and support students to study engineering at university. These students have demonstrated considerable skill and experience already to have been awarded the bursaries, and it’s clear that these students have bright futures ahead. I wish them well on their engineering journey.”

Applications for the fourth round of Lord Bhattacharyya Higher Education Bursaries will open in March 2024, for students enrolling at university in September 2024.

End

Notes for Editors

1. More information about the six awardees can be found here.

2. The Lord Bhattacharyya HE Bursary Scheme helps students at sixth forms, colleges and academies across the West Midlands prepare for degree-level engineering education. The funding available provides students from low-income households or under-represented communities with a pathway to higher education and therefore encourages the pursuit of careers in the sector. The Scheme not only drives diversity and inclusion throughout the engineering sector, but also ensures that talented students are equipped with the resources needed to develop the latest engineering skills required to access degree-level programmes and ultimately thrive in a fast-paced sector with lots of opportunities.

3. The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.

4. WMG, University of Warwick, is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.
As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.
WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.
An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.

Media enquiries to: Pippa Cox at the Royal Academy of Engineering Tel. +44 207 766 0745; email: Pippa.Cox@raeng.org.uk

Thu 07 Dec 2023, 11:12 | Tags: Partnerships Lord Bhattacharyya Outreach

WMG hosts Student Project Showcase

The Outreach Team at WMG, University of Warwick was pleased to welcome pupils from local schools to a special Student Project Showcase eventPicture of the Student Project Showcase event supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Over 100, year 10, students from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers in Coventry and Solihull were invited to the event held at the University of Warwick campus.

The year 10 pupils had a chance to see for themselves the remarkable engineering projects from Warwick Racing; Warwick Rail; Warwick Submarine; Warwick Moto and Warwick Robotics.

CyberWomen@Warwick students also took part. The group of female students strive to empower future talent, with a specific focus on women, in cyber security.

Caroline Cannon, Outreach Project Officer at WMG, who organised the Showcase, explained: “ With these types of events, and across all of our outreach activities, we work with our partners to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in STEM in an attempt to close the engineering skills gap.”

Claire Morris, Associate Principal at the WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Solihull, said: “ I have heard nothing but great feedback from Year 10 students, and the staff involved. Thank you Caroline, to you and your team for organising this event, and thanks to the WMG team for making it happen.”

Caroline Cannon added: “ The Showcase was also a good experience for our new cohort of University of Warwick engineering students to build confidence talking about the various projects.”

A University of Warwick student and Warwick Rail team member said: “What I liked most about the event was seeing the students (from the Academies) getting stuck into the activities and thinking critically about the projects.”

WMG support a variety of undergraduate student projects with connections to industry partners. The selection of student-led projects shows the breadth and depth of skills that the students apply both individually and collaboratively as part of a team.

Each project is supported and assisted by PhD students, academics, technicians, and industry sponsors. Dave Cooper, Engineering Technician at WMGPicture shows students from the Warwick Racing team supporting Student Projects said: “Students that work on these projects have had the most amazing opportunities from placements, scholarships and jobs with companies such as McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Norton and Triumph.”

Students gain valuable practical and project management skills with each team member being assigned a role and area of responsibility, from engineering and technical lead to marketing and sales support. The projects develop students; teach time management and risk management; group working; and give practical hands-on experience.

WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult provide some seed funding, but the individual teams are responsible for securing sponsors and raising funds. Feedback from employers suggests that these projects produce some of the most employable graduates in the market.

Find out more about the student projects here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/outreach/studentproject/

Tue 14 Nov 2023, 14:39 | Tags: HVM Catapult WMG Academy Education Outreach

WMG supports holiday workshops

WMG at the University of Warwick’s Outreach Team was pleased to take part in the Royal Institution’s (Ri) holiday workshops.

The Outreach Team at the Ri summer workshopsProfessor Margaret Low and Dr Phil Jemmett both led sessions at the holiday workshops designed to bring all areas of science - including mathematics, computing and engineering - to life for 9 to 14 year olds.

Professor Margaret Low’s session was a fun and creative introduction to programming using TurtleStitch. TurtleStitch is free, easy to use, and generates patterns that can be stitched by embroidery machines, enabling the creation of physical things from code.

At Dr Phil Jemmett’s session he asked, ‘Where is engineering?’ Dr Jemmett explained how every product, tool, device and service relies on engineers designing, refining and creating solutions to problems. Students used programmable electronics and sensors, and had the opportunity to make a product for the future.

Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Co-ordinator at WMG, University of Warwick, said: “The Royal Institution has centuries of tradition in educatingThe 'Where is engineering?' workshop people about science in a fun and engaging way. We are so proud to have supported the holiday workshop programme for another year, and continue to work with one of the most famous scientific bodies in the world. What better place to showcase the engineering and innovation that WMG is part of in building the future? We aimed to show people how simple it can be to start to create their own projects, whether making a smart city for the future, or controlling an embroidery machine in Margaret’s workshop. And it really showed in the engagement of the students in the activities – the things they were able to build in one day were mind-blowing.”

Professor Margaret Low, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation at WMG, University of Warwick, showed her commitment to making science accessible: “Science, engineering, mathematics, and computer science are not traditionally seen as being fun subjects to dip into. With these workshops we were able to provide an inspiring introduction for young people, and perhaps set them on a path to becoming scientists or engineers in the future. Working in partnership between a university and a public body like the Ri is a good example of how we can create opportunities for young people to discover what they want to do, and be empowered to achieve it.”

Peter Gallivan, Family Programme Manager, at the Royal Institution, explains: “Holiday Workshops at the Royal Institution are one of the main ways we work with young people, welcoming around 2,000 young people across the summer to get hands-on exploring STEM subjects. The sessions run by Margaret and Phil are some of my favourites, as they showcase how creativity and imagination are important skills used by scientists and engineers. It was a delight to see their sessions packed full of excited young scientists happily working together to solve a variety of engineering challenges. How else would you want to spend your summer holidays?!”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programmes here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/outreach/

Fri 11 Aug 2023, 10:01 | Tags: HVM Catapult STEM Public engagement Outreach

Widening participation work experience week connects under-represented aspiring engineers with industry giants

The University of Warwick's commitment to widening participation and fostering inclusivity took centre stage during a week-long programme aimed atPicture shows project work as part of the Work Experience Week inspiring 30 students from local schools to pursue careers in engineering. The initiative was organised by WMG at the University of Warwick and the University's Widening Participation Team which wanted to support under-represented students that might lack confidence or support when they consider a future in engineering.

Throughout the programme, participants gained valuable insights into various engineering pathways and learnt more about research and careers at WMG alongside partners like Tata Motors. WMG research and teaching staff mentored the students, providing them with a taste of what studying engineering involves through an engineering project.

Laboratory and workshop tours, facilitated by WMG apprentices and Tata Motors, gave participants firsthand exposure to the dynamic environment of an engineering workplace. The event culminated in a showcase where the students presented their projects, highlighting both their engineering skills and the knowledge they gained during the week.

Picture shows project works as part of Work Experience WeekThe project was also supported by student ambassadors from across the University; Drishti, David, Ana, Brij, Sheerah, Diya, Michelle, Gabe and Chinmay, giving the young visitors to our campus an experience of what studying in Higher Education is like. The Widening Participation team also gave a session providing information, advice and guidance on how they might enter university study. Throughout the week, young people therefore had experiences and interactions all the way from undergraduate level through the University hierarchy to the Dean of WMG.

One participating student said: "Visiting the National Automotive Innovation Centre with Tata Motors has opened my eyes to what engineering is really like, and I would like to learn more about degree apprenticeships with the University of Warwick.”

Another said: "I would describe this programme to a friend as an unmissable and eventful opportunity which I would heavily recommend as it has boosted my skills and given me a greater insight into careers, apprenticeships and university as a whole which has inspired me to want to go to university.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG said: “There is a clear pathway from this point to being professional engineers. There may be many routes – whether through an apprenticeship or through a taught degree programme – but the skills and experience needed for all those routes are the same: perseverance, determination, initiative, and curiosity. Having a product on display at this showcase also demonstrates plainly those qualities in the people who have made them.”

Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Coordinator at WMG said: "This work experience model has been in our minds since 2019 and this is the first time we've been able to run it at full scale. Students have been working with our engineers on group projects all week and have gone on a journey through engineering and rapidly prototyping equipment.

“Each challenge links to WMG research and to challenges in the real world that could help make our planet's future more sustainable. With the skills we have seen in these students this week I have no doubt that our STEM industry is in safe hands in the future. They have been amazing."

The University of Warwick's initiative reflects its dedication to providing equal opportunities in engineering education. By empowering less privileged local students and challenging misconceptions about the field, they are nurturing a diverse talent pool that will shape the future of engineering.

Find out more about WMG's Outreach programme here

Ends

Notes to editors

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Bron Mills, Bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk, +447824 540 720

Mon 24 Jul 2023, 10:22 | Tags: STEM Partnerships Skills Outreach

WMG inspires young engineers at Engineering Industry Day

On Tuesday 25th April, the Outreach Team at WMG, University of Warwick hosted an Engineering Industry Day.

The Team welcomed 200, year 9 and 10, students who were identified by their teachers as students, from groups under-represented in engineering andPicture shows collage of activities at the Engineering Industry Day STEM careers, with an interest and a potential to do well in those subjects.

The students came from schools across the region including Eden Girls School Coventry; WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry and Solihull; Colmers School and Sixth Form College; Nicholas Chamberlaine School; Lyndon School; Harris Church of England Academy; Barr’s Hill School and Community College; and KEVI Northfield School for Girls.

The group was welcomed by Professor David Greenwood, the CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director for Industrial Engagement at WMG, before being taken on a tour of the STEM facilities on campus.

Along with their teachers, they met academics and students, and heard about the research being carried out by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult; WMG and the School of Engineering. WMG Technical Services and the apprentices demonstrated their skills, and the Student Project teams - Warwick Racing and Warwick Mobile Robotics - showcased their work and shared their experience of studying engineering.

Participants also met with local companies including Jaguar Land Rover; Tata Motors; Aston Martin; National Grid ESO; Balfour Beatty; Wates; Willmott Dixon; National Grid; Tarmac and 3P Innovation, who provided them with advice and guidance about the skills and knowledge required to become an engineer.

They also received information about a range of support available from the Degree Apprenticeship Team; Student Funding; the Warwick Scholars Access Programme; the Sutton Trust Pathways to Engineering; the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Educational Programme and the Engineering Development Trust Programme.

WMG’s Outreach Project Officer, Marie Diebolt, who organised the event, explained: With these types of events, and across our outreach activities, we work with our partners to close the engineering skills gap and inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM. We purposely timed the event to coincide with students selecting their GCSE subjects to enable them to make an informed choice and inspire them to consider a range of careers in engineering.”

Picture shows Professor David Greenwood at the Engineering Industry DayProfessor David Greenwood added: “We know that the UK manufacturing sector has a big skills gap – which WMG is keen to fill. Events like these help to shine a spotlight on the exciting career prospects in manufacturing – thanks to advances in digitalisation, automation and sustainability. The opportunity to speak to potential future engineers was a privilege, and the event was a great success.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programme here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

Tue 09 May 2023, 14:31 | Tags: HVM Catapult Public engagement Skills Outreach

WMG celebrates a decade of Engineering Masterclasses

The Outreach Team, at WMG at the University of Warwick, is proud to have completed a decade of Royal Institution Engineering Masterclasses.

Over the past 10 years staff and students, from WMG, have supported 250 pupils from 45 schools across Warwickshire and the West Midlands. The Masterclasses have opened the eyes of young people to the excitement and value of engineering and, have in turn, inspired the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

A special celebration event was held to mark the occasion with 2023 masterclass students and their families and teachers. At the event, University of Warwick alumna and award-winning engineer, Yewande Akinola delivered a key note before presenting certificates in a mini graduation ceremony.

Picture shows Professor Margaret Low at a masterclassProfessor Margaret Low, WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation said: “WMG has supported the Ri with the masterclasses, since 2013, with workshops and activities that put our cutting-edge engineering research into context for young people. We even found a way to deliver the activities online during the pandemic.

“These experiences allow students to see how their school learning applies to complicated and world-changing technologies. Through our outreach programmes we hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, widen participation in higher education and make the STEM workforce more diverse.”

Mujthaba Ahtamad (Mosh), Senior Teaching Fellow at WMG, who worked alongside Professor Margaret Low on some of the original masterclass sessions, said: “With Margaret’s enthusiasm and motivation, she really brought everything together, including inspiring the teaching team. It was really evident that the attendees were very excited to attend the Masterclasses, (perhaps more so than attending school!).”

Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Co-ordinator at WMG added: “The Royal Institution is a prestigious organisation with a long history of being at thePicture of Professor Margaret Low and Dr Phil Jemmett forefront of teaching science. Partnerships between universities in the local community, and the fact that these famous, royal-chartered groups are housed only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, adds so much value to the student experience.

“This is not just an extra lesson that happens to be on a Saturday, this is an experience of just how far these students can go with their engineering talents. We hope that the students felt every bit of the prestige of both WMG and the Royal Institution.

“We would also like to thank the High Value Manufacturing Catapult who have supported these activities since 2019.”

Rachel Dorris, Clothworkers’ Fellow of Mathematics at the Royal Institution, said: “On behalf of the Royal Institution and the Masterclass team, I would like to congratulate you for successfully shepherding the Engineering Masterclasses at WMG to its 10th anniversary.

“We appreciate your hard work as an Ri collaborator - inspiring future generations within your community in the world of engineering.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach Programme here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

Wed 19 Apr 2023, 16:49 | Tags: HVM Catapult Skills Outreach

Celebrating British Science Week 2023

Picture shows two young girls taking part in British Science WeekThe WMG Outreach team had another busy, fun-packed British Science Week, taking part in a total of seven special STEM events reaching out to more than 2,200 young scientists, teachers, and families.

Two further events had also been planned for around 400 more students, but these had to be postponed due to the snow.

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths; and is a chance to look into the future and celebrate the impact scientific ideas can make on society. In support, the Outreach Team took part in the University of Warwick’s ‘Slice of Science;’ hosted science days at local schools, while WMG’s Jianhua Yang, Tudor Dodoiu, Iyabo Adamu and Marcelle Batson-Warner took part in Robot Day Coventry.

At Slice of Science, the University welcomed over 350 people. The Outreach Team ran an area called ‘Experience Engineering’ which featured science experiments, the opportunity to write code to control a digital embroidery machine, the navigation of robotic vehicles through a maze, an interactive puzzle showing the electronics inside a car, aerodynamics experiments and more.

WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, Professor Margaret Low, explained: “These experiences allow students to see how their schoolPicture shows Professor Margaret Low in the Experience Engineering zone at the Slice of Science event learning applies to complicated and world-changing technologies. Through our outreach programmes we hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, widen participation in Higher Education and make the STEM workforce more diverse.”

WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator, Dr Phil Jemmett, added: “WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult have outreach activities that are designed to give students a sense of ownership, since there are always elements they can re-create or try out at home. All the experiments we use in science shows or at public events are written up on our website under WMG Experiments, and we show the audience how it all works.

“It’s never magic – this is something anyone can do if they put their mind to it. We want to show people how exciting science and engineering can be, and that anyone can be an engineer.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programme here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

Tue 21 Mar 2023, 13:09 | Tags: HVM Catapult Education Public engagement Outreach

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