WNE backs Science School launch in Ballymena
Published On: 18th May 2020
Well North Enterprises Chairman Lord Andrew Mawson is supporting Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as it launches the first Northern Ireland Science School – ‘Activate Your Curiosity: Making Sense of Science’ – hosted by Professor Brian Cox OBE, the acclaimed physicist and BBC presenter.
The Science School, aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators, will take place on 24 November 2020 in conjunction with leading educators and influencers from across the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) sectors.
The Science School will help to activate the curiosities of up to 400 young people taking part through an inspiring mix of STEAM seminars, discussions, hands-on experiments and insights.
While the official launch of the project was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a fascinating animation by local video production company Makematic gives a glimpse of what those signed up can expect. https://vimeo.com/418993503/21ab6221e4
A social media and publicity campaign will continue throughout this month on the Council’s website and digital channels, as it releases more details about the exciting line-up of speakers and the final programme of events.
Young people attending the event in November will hear from industry and academic leaders at the forefront of the STEAM sector, and from the famous physicist and astronomer Professor Cox, who will deliver the keynote address.
Teenage environmental champions, Amy and Ella Meek, will also speak about how their mission to make a difference by reducing plastic pollution, has seen them create an award-winning charity which has inspired children, business leaders and politicians throughout the UK.
Professor Cox will also lead an evening panel session for students, parents and special guests from across Northern Ireland to hear more about the STEAM Career Pathways available to them.
The Science Summer Schools initiative was established in 2012 at St Paul’s Way Trust School in East London by Lord Andrew Mawson OBE and Professor Brian Cox OBE. It is now being expanded nationally on a year-round basis in partnership with Well North Enterprises.
The collective aim is to make ‘the UK the best place to do science’. The future need for more scientists and engineers nationally has been highlighted as a priority by the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Lord Mawson OBE said: “This is an appropriate time to be bringing the first Science School hosted by Professor Cox to to Ballymena!
“Science and the desire to learn more about how our world works, and about how we can use that information to improve how we live our lives, has never been more attractive or relevant as a subject area and a potential career path.
“The Science School initiative will activate the curiosities of the young people who take part and hopefully inspire them to great things.”
Professor Brian Cox OBE added: “I am delighted to be coming to Northern Ireland. “Science is about exploring, and the only way to uncover the secrets of the universe is to go and look!”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Cllr Maureen Morrow, said: “Council are delighted to be working with local businesses, schools, universities and partner organisations to bring this exciting opportunity to the borough.
“In addition to the Science School, the Council is running a Junior STEM Ambassador Programme, which will enable young people aged 16 and 17 to develop their personal and technical skills to deliver short science-based workshops in primary schools, junior years of secondary schools and youth organisations.
“The STEM Ambassadors and pupils will receive a British Science Association CREST Award for their involvement.”