‘Science Summer School’ Launches a Future in STEAM Opportunities for Young People

Co-founded by Professor Brian Cox CBE, Council and Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force are excited to announce that the Professor will be attending the main event in person and joining pupils from across the Borough for another fun-filled day of wacky and wonderful STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) based workshops, presentations, fascinating facts and much more!

The Science Summer School initiative was established in 2012 at St. Paul’s Way Trust School in East London by Professor Brian Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE with the aim to make ‘the UK the best place to do science and engineering in the world". MEA hosted its first Science Summer School event in November 2022 with a further series of school engagement activities across the year.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, called the initiative a “catalyst for collaborative vision” within the Borough. She said:

“Working in partnership with the Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Taskforce, the Science Summer School aims to inspire young people to become the next generation of scientists with a programme that mixes the best of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) through a series of TED-style talks, seminars, discussions and hands-on workshops.

“As part of the initiative, we are engaging with local schools and employers to deliver a series of opportunities that will allow pupils to explore the varied career opportunities and learn about the many employment pathways in STEAM related subjects. It’s an exciting opportunity for students to expand their scientific knowledge and gain an appreciation of the importance that science plays in all aspects of our lives.”

Speaking of the event Professor Brian Cox CBE said: “There has never a better time for the Science Summer School to come to Northern Ireland. I will be delighted to have the opportunity to join students from across Mid and East Antrim in January 2024, who will come together and discover that developing their interest in STEAM subjects can help them to achieve an exciting career and fulfilling life.

“The initiative offers a great mix of interesting people and innovative experiments and is sure to activate the curiosity of all those attending.”

The ‘Science Summer School’ initiative prides itself as being catalyst for a collaborative vision for the Borough to nurture future talent. In the months leading up to the main event, Council will host exciting school competitions with out of this world prizes and hands on school engagement opportunities for pupils and businesses in the Borough to come together, showcasing career opportunities and creating invaluable links between education and employment.

Council is delighted to have gained sponsorship support from some of the Borough’s key employers, with headline sponsor Kilwaughter Minerals and company sponsors Ryobi, IPC Mouldings, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Michelin Development, Caterpillar and Yelo.

Fiona Byrne, Organisational Development Director of Kilwaughter Minerals, said: “Kilwaughter Minerals are delighted to be the headline sponsor of this event. As a key employer in Mid and East Antrim we are delighted to continue to support initiatives that encourage engagement with local schools and develop connections with young people, allowing a seamless transfer from education into work.

“Our team are excited to be involved in the event and have a number of exciting opportunities already in the pipeline for the months ahead.”

Graham Whitehurst MBE, Chair of the Manufacturing Task Force (MTF) added: “Council’s Manufacturing Task Force is delighted to be working once again with a range of local businesses, schools, universities and partner organisations to bring this exciting opportunity to our Borough.

“It is our hope that the young people attending will be inspired to embark on a fantastic future in science - and maybe even become leaders in that field. The Science School initiative will activate the curiosities of the young people who take part and hopefully inspire them to great things.”

Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, Co-Founder of Science Summer School, said: “A key message to all young people taking part is to take every opportunity to ‘learn by doing’. Be curious about everything, meet as many future employers as possible. This project ticks many very practical boxes and Professor Cox and I thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for its vision and continued support.”

For further information on the initiative, visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/SummerScienceSchool