Brooklands Innovation Academy (BIA) recently hosted a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) that brought together 400 students aged 11 to 18. The event — led by Professor Brian Cox, along with the popular science author and physicist Simon Lehna Singh — was supported by industry leaders, multinational businesses, academics, and innovators.
On the day, students were organised into groups of 10 and rotated through a selection of 28 workshops and six guest speakers. Much of the activity was themed around the major challenges of the 21st century, including the climate crisis, pollution, sustainable transportation, physics, and advanced medicine.
Brooklands Innovation Academy is part of the national Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson, and managed by
360 Degree Society.
Professor Cox said: “BIA 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.”
Igniting the spark of innovationHe continued: “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.”
Alex Patterson, Brooklands Museum’s director and CEO, said: “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.
“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.”