AMRC Training Centre

Harworth Supports Professor Brian Cox Coming to Rotherham to Inspire Aspiring Scientists & Engineers

“The practice of science happens at the border between the known and the unknown. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we peer into the darkness with eyes opened not in fear but in wonder.” – Brian Cox, Wonders of the Universe

Professor Brian Cox is an advocate of many things – including the need for us to pave the way for our future generations of scientists and engineers. But to do this, we need to change the way we approach science education.

To start this change he created a partnership with Lord Andrew Mawson to establish the St Paul’s Way School Science Summer School across the UK. The programme has been running for nine years and mixes the best of the STEAM subject – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths – through TED style talks from industry and academic leaders, discussions and hands-on experiments.

This summer, Well Rotherham in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Harworth Group plc and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) were lucky enough to support 23 young people on a three-day trip to London to take part in the school. Well Rotherham is a project that is creating healthy communities by working with local people to inspire change.

“It was such a fantastic experience to be able to go to London. Watching these young people who are so passionate about the world of science start their journey as ambassadors was an incredible opportunity.

Over the next year they’ll be working together to help us co-produce the satellite event. This will be happening in November 2020 and it will be such a joy and privilege to have Professor Brian Cox come and join us.

This isn’t going to be a one-off event. Throughout the year we’ll be working with our partner schools Wath Academy, Maltby Academy and Wales High to organise activities and events that continue to inspire the students.”

Kris Mackay, Programme Manager, Well Rotherham

Professor Cox and Lord Mawson have intended to create a northern satellite event for a number of years and Rotherham has been chosen to pioneer this northern expansion.

“Getting more young people interested in STEAM subjects to fire their ambitions is essential to deliver “good growth” across the UK and to help tackle the big societal challenges of the age. We’re delighted to be supporting the St Paul’s way Science Summer school and look forward to those attending the event becoming the future workforce at the Advanced Manufacturing Park.”

Duncan Armstrong-Payne, Associate Director – Major Projects, Harworth Group plc