Leveraging Brooklands Museum’s unique position as the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation and its rich history of innovation, engineering, and science, Brooklands Innovation Academy combines inspiring tales of the past with a whirlwind of contemporary innovators, international businesses and STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) leaders.
With a focus on “learning by doing”, the Academy is intended to light the spark of curiosity and provide practical experience for Britain’s future engineers and scientists.
Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, Co-Founder of Science Summer School, Chair, Well North Enterprises, commented: “Scientists at Cern do it, including Professor Brian Cox. As do engineers at McLaren; astronauts in space; surgeons, doctors and nurses in our hospitals and clinics; business entrepreneurs; musicians on stage and in recording studios; school students and their teachers.
“They all learn by doing. Brooklands and its rich heritage and legacy – past, present and future – as the home of British aviation and motorsport is a perfect example of a 'learning by doing' culture.
“This fantastic programme is helping to equip these young people with a practical toolkit which will help them start to navigate the modern world of work.”
Last year was a resounding success, with more than 400 students taking part in over 21 different workshops and speaking events. The programme has received an incredible level of support as one of the nation’s leading student STEM events with Haleon continuing as a major supporter in 2023 alongside significant local employers, including the NHS.
In addition to the main event in October, Brooklands Innovation Academy will include a number of lead-in events throughout the summer supported by Airbus and McLaren Automotive, engaging students with new ideas, great challenges, and the possibilities of careers in critical sectors:
• Jobs of the Future with McLaren Automotive
• Lightbulb Moments with Airbus
• Civil Engineering Changes Lives with Wilmot Dixon and Balfour Beatty
Each of the three precursor events features a specific industry theme and sponsorship, with company representatives supporting students to solve hands-on problems while learning about some of the greatest challenges of our time.
Brooklands Innovation Academy is part of the National Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, and managed by Well North Enterprises.
The Academy brings together hundreds of students to take part in workshops run by some of the world’s top STEM businesses and enjoy guest presentations with a focus on STEM skills and future industry challenges such as advanced medicine, transportation, sustainable manufacturing, and the climate crisis.
Penny Alford, Chief Education Officer at Bourne Education Trust, commented: “It is so important for young people from underrepresented groups to be able to access this hands-on experience and to see the opportunities and careers that are out there.
“We are eager to continue building relationships between Brooklands Museum and some of our families that may not experience or have immediate access to events like this.
“As part of our role, we are committed to ensuring that all our school communities have the same access to great STEM education and opportunities, with the aim of reaching even more students this year via the Brooklands Innovation Academy.”
Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS, Co-founder of Science Summer School, concluded: “Last year, the first Brooklands Innovation Academy was a resounding success with over 400 students from across the region getting hands-on experience and insight into the challenges facing humanity.
“This year, the programme has been expanded and we are preparing to inspire and support hundreds more future STEM innovators.
“Brooklands Museum is the perfect place to host these events with a rich history of daring engineering. The people who worked here truly shaped the future of both aviation and automotive industries. I’m very much looking forward to meeting and engaging with the students and teachers in October.”