Departmental news
Sparking curiosity outside the classroom
The Outreach team at WMG has been busy bringing science to life in London as part of the Royal Institution (Ri)’s holiday workshop programme. Designed for ages nine to 14, the workshops provide young people with hands-on experience of STEM topics, helping expand their learning beyond the classroom.
This is the fourth consecutive year that WMG has delivered sessions in partnership with the Ri, expertly led by Professor Margaret Low, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, and Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Coordinator and Faculty Public Engagement Lead (Science, Engineering and Medicine).
Nurturing the STEM stars of tomorrow
The WMG Outreach team at University of Warwick was delighted to welcome a brand-new cohort of students for its Work Experience Week this summer (Monday 7 July to Friday 11 July). Launched in 2019, the annual event – which is organised by WMG Outreach and the University’s Widening Participation team – aims to foster inclusivity in engineering by giving students from under-represented backgrounds the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and explore what a career in STEM could look like.
Dr Alex Baker wins prestigious British Science Association Award Lecture
Joining previous winners including Brian Cox and Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Alex is being recognised for his promising early career research looking to provide therapeutics and diagnosis for Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Listen to our Diamond Scientists on Curious Cases
Diamond Scientists Julie Macpherson and Mark Newton star with Dara O'Brien and Hannah Fry on BBC Radio 4 Curious Cases Postcast. Listen at BBC Radio 4 - Curious Cases, Series 23, The Diamond Throwdown.
Celebrating British Science Week
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 11 special STEM events reaching out to more than 1,500 young scientists, teachers, and families.
British Science WeekLink opens in a new window is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths running from 7-16 March.
WMG staff and students joined the Outreach Team at the University of Warwick’s Resonate Festival of Science and Technology; led science workshops at schools and held the Royal Institution (Ri) Engineering Masterclasses and celebration events.
The Resonate Festival of Science and Technology welcomed over 500 people. Here the WMG team ran ‘Inventors, Explorers and Engineers’, which featured a robot maze; a robot vehicle battle arena; coding workshops; a controllable model train system and more.
Science on the Hill - Host Defence on the Offensive!
Our next Science on the Hill event is on Tuesday 25 February, 6-8pm. We’ll delve into how different biological systems combat attacks from other organisms - highlighting the human and plant immune systems. We’ll also explore how these natural defences can inspire new therapeutics for treating patients.
Talks include ‘Defence in plants and its role in sustainability’ – Dr Emily Breeze
Find out book and book your place
West Midlands students introduced to STEM careers
On Wednesday (12th February), the WMG OutreachLink opens in a new window Team hosted an Engineering Industry Day at the Degree Apprenticeship Centre, at The University of Warwick.
The team welcomed over 100 Year 8 and 9 students from across the West Midlands, including those from Barr’s Hill School, Eden Girls School, Yardleys School, Harris C of E Academy and West Coventry Academy.
The event aimed to inspire students from groups under-represented in STEM to consider careers in engineering ahead of them choosing their GCSE subjects.
This project was led by Marie Diebolt, the Outreach Project Officer on the High Value Manufacturing CatapultLink opens in a new window Inspiring Young Engineers project. The project aims to foster a positive culture of engineering in young people and create the future engineering workforce.
On the day, students were welcomed by Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window who encouraged them to reflect on what their career path might look like. They met employers from various engineering sectors including RambollLink opens in a new window, JLRLink opens in a new window, Aston Martin Lagonda LtdLink opens in a new window, Legacy Manufacturing Solutions LimitedLink opens in a new window, CapgeminiLink opens in a new window, and SAPLink opens in a new window, and WMG apprentices.
WMG pledges support to Youth Energy Summit
Staff and students from across WMG and the University of Warwick were pleased to support the Youth Energy SummitLink opens in a new window at the Coventry Building Society Arena in November 2024.
The Summit was organised by the Highly Sprung theatre group who asked delegates to reimagine a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.
The young delegates heard from keynote speakers on sustainability issues including WMG’s Principal Engineer and Member of Coventry City Council's Climate Change Board, Dr Russell HallLink opens in a new window. Workshops were also held by the WMG Outreach team and the Warwick Institute of Engagement.