Professor Brian Cox excites 400 curious minds at STEM event

The event was headlined by Professor Brian Cox, who once again captivated the audience with an inspiring address that encouraged students from across the region to engage with science and technology in a meaningful way. Joining him was Simon Lehna Singh, a respected physicist and author, further enriching the day’s educational experience.

Professor Brian Cox, Co-Founder of Science Summer School, said: “Brooklands Innovation Academy is one of the most exciting and impactful educational events in the UK. It sits at the confluence of innovation, science, technology, and history – feeding the curiosity of bright young minds with the tools to take on pressing global challenges.

“I was delighted to return for 2024 and see, once again, the power of Brooklands to ignite the spark of imagination. The legacy of British innovation and pioneering spirit in this special place is upheld by Brooklands Museum and the BIA. Each year, they inspire thousands of students, drawing insight from the past and discovering the brilliant possibilities of the future.”

Drawing on Brooklands' storied history of innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship, BIA 2024 delivered an engaging mix of hands-on workshops and insightful talks from industry leaders and academics. The event embraced a ‘Learning by Doing’ approach, allowing students to participate in practical, interactive activities designed to ignite their passion for STEM subjects. This philosophy, combined with the involvement of leading industry figures, ensured a dynamic and enriching experience.

One group were building and testing rockets with the National Physics Laboratory (NPL)

Alex Patterson, Director and CEO, Brooklands Museum, said: “We were thrilled to once again open our gates to hundreds of students for the annual Brooklands Innovation Academy. This year was immensely successful, and I have already received fantastic feedback from students and guests. Brooklands has such a special place in the history of British innovation and engineering – it is the perfect location to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

“We are extremely grateful to all involved in BIA 2024, especially Professor Brian Cox, our guest speakers, workshop leaders, and industry partners. Each year builds upon the last, making it more accessible and beneficial for students. A strong national STEM capability starts in grassroots education, inspiring young people to take on the challenges of their time. Our constant ambition is for BIA to be a catalyst in that journey.”

 

 

 

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The event’s structure saw students divided into groups of ten, rotating through 28 workshops and six guest speaker sessions. Topics explored included some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century: the climate crisis, pollution, sustainable transportation, physics, and advanced medicine. This made Brooklands Innovation Academy one of the largest and most diverse single-day STEM education events in the UK.

Among the notable speakers were Kwame Bekoe from Zero Petroleum, Preeti Roy from Haleon, and representatives from the Cambridge University Eco Racing Society. Simon Lehna Singh, as well as an Apprentice Panel chaired by Holly Hobbs from Apprentiva, offered additional perspectives on careers in STEM. The panel featured apprentices from BAE Systems, the Heritage Skills Academy, and the National Physical Laboratory, providing valuable insight into the real-world applications of STEM education.

BIA 2024 benefitted from significant support from its industry partners, including major names like Haleon, BAE Systems, Safran, Cargill, Ringway, NW Surrey Alliance, and Surrey County Council. The event also saw participation from key government and industry organisations, such as Airbus, Bayer, McLaren, the Ministry of Defence, the National Health Service, and the National Physical Laboratory. These workshops provided students with a first-hand look at cutting-edge innovations and highlighted the crucial role STEM skills play in addressing global challenges.

Another group building mini models of a McLaren racing car

Brooklands Innovation Academy is part of the national Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, and is managed by the 360 Degree Society.

Lord Andrew Mawson OBE said: “A jewel in the crown of UK STEM education, Brooklands Innovation Academy is a vital programme for Surrey and beyond. Few events create an action-packed environment where students directly cross paths with – and are taught by – industry experts and the leaders of STEM fields. Through ‘Learning by Doing’, BIA inspires the scientists and engineers of our future. The founding principles of Brooklands remind us that the future is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and endeavour.”