Inspiring the future of STEM with history and innovation

On October 3rd, 2023, Electronic Specifier had the privilege of attending the Brooklands Innovation Academy, held at the historic Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey. This historic location sets the backdrop for the annual Academy which students gather to learn about the multifaceted and exciting world of STEM.

This event, led by the renowned Professor Brian Cox CBE, is a symbol of STEM education and innovation, and the day is designed to ignite passion for science and technology in young minds via tailored talks and workshops that engage students, allowing them the opportunity to learn via visual, audio, and kinaesthetic approaches.

Inventor and entrepreneur, Ruth Amos, was the master of ceremonies for the day and the morning kicked off with an address by Professor Cox himself, setting the stage for a day of exploration and discovery.

Students, staff, and teachers also had the added honour of receiving a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, where both Her Royal Highness and Professor Cox had the opportunity to visit the many various workshops and talk to the students about what they were doing.

A hands-on STEM experience

Founded in 1907, Brooklands was the place where people pushed boundaries and created feats of science and engineering that had never before been achieved, especially in the fields of motoring and aerospace.

The day brought together 400 students from schools across the region, and was organised into small groups, which allowed everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hands-on workshops, listen to enlightening talks, and put questions to the inspirational guest speakers.

Workshops and guest speakers

One of the standout features of this event is its diverse range of sessions that span various STEM sectors, including science, engineering, defence, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Inspiring from the front, guest speakers included:

• Professor Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, who shared a glimpse into the cosmos and the questions that only the scientists of tomorrow can answer
• Kirsty Murphy MBE MEng, the first (and only) female pilot in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, who shared her journey of breaking barriers in aviation
• Dr. Josie Jones, Consultant Anaesthetist and Former Welsh Footballer, a multifaceted role model, Dr. Jones discussed her career in medicine and sports
• Joshua Schofield: Higher Engineering at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), who spoke on an exploration of cutting-edge engineering advancements.

Notable industry partners such as Haleon, McLaren F1, Airbus, and British Airways support the Academy, making it one of the most comprehensive single-day educational events in the UK.

The students attending were an even mix of both boys and girls – highlighting the commitment to encouraging gender diversity in STEM fields.

A few choice workshops from the day consisted of:

• Heritage Skills Academy: Building an Engineering Apprentice – students gain insights into what it is like to be an engineering apprentice in the heritage sector.
• McLaren F1: Safety Testing Components – students get a glimpse into the meticulous safety testing procedures that go into creating a Formula 1 car.
• British Airways: So, You Want to Be a Pilot? – aspiring aviators explore the world of flying and the journey to becoming a pilot.
• National Physical Laboratory: Launch That Rocket! – the secrets of launching rockets are unveiled, sparking an interest in space exploration.
• Airbus: Flying Further and Faster – students delve into the world of aeronautics and learn about the future of flight.
• Subsea 7: Sustainable Pipelines – the importance of sustainable engineering solutions is discussed, focusing on the oil and gas industry.
• McLaren Applied: LEGO Dragsters – where students had the opportunity to build and race their own LEGO dragsters.
• Homeplay: Building Smart Homes – a great exploration of the realm of smart home technology that allows students to set-up a smart home system.
• Haleon: How to Make Toothpaste – an unexpected yet fascinating glimpse into the world of product manufacturing.

A historic venue with modern innovation

Brooklands Museum serves as an ideal backdrop for the Brooklands Innovation Academy. The museum celebrates the rich history, and it pays homage to the pioneers who raced, built, and flew machines throughout the twentieth century on its very site.

The Academy blends this historical legacy with modern STEM advancements and emphasises how past achievements can inform and inspire future solutions, creating a holistic and enriching educational experience.

The Brooklands Innovation Academy 2023 is an exceptional event that showcases the power of STEM education to shape the future. By providing young minds with hands-on experiences and access to inspirational figures from various STEM fields, this programme is fostering the next generation of innovators, scientists, engineers, and leaders.

The fusion of history and modern innovation at the Brooklands Museum creates a rich and compelling learning environment, underscoring the importance of preserving the legacy of STEM pioneers while paving the way for a brighter, more diverse future in STEM.