“STEM” into Christmas: Nottingham schoolchildren get a taste of engineering at annual festive lecture

Hundreds of schoolchildren from all over Britain were learning about ‘The Future of Transportation” as part of the Faculty of Engineering’s Christmas Lecture at the University of Nottingham.

Hosted by a different department every year, the Christmas Lecture aims to inspire the next generation of students to continue with STEM subjects and, eventually, pursue a career in the industry.

The day was hosted by Professor James Bonnyman from the university’s Electrical and Electronics Department. He said: “We need people to help us solve difficult challenges we’re facing around decarbonisation, the impact of transport on air quality, the balance between public and private transport, and ensuring we design transport systems that suit the needs of everyone.

"All fields of engineering, from electrical engineering to transform the way we deliver and distribute power through to mechanical systems to design future vehicles, and everything in between, are critical to delivering the transport systems of the future, and we need to engage the next generation of engineers to be able to realise these ambitions."

Over 250 secondary students from eight schools attended the event, where they also had the opportunity to engage with a variety of interactive STEM activities, including a VR experience hosted by Rolls Royce.

Students were provided with an insight into the real-life applications of STEM at Rolls-Royce, through an interactive jet engine build challenge, hands-on activities from their submarines business, and an immersive virtual reality experience to explore their amazing jet engine architecture, all led by STEM ambassadors from the company.

Sarah Sharples, Professor of Human Factors at the University of Nottingham and Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport, delivered the lecture. She said: “I’m delighted to have hosted this year’s Engineering Christmas Lecture. Transport technologies are undergoing major changes that will transform the way we live and travel, and we need the best science and engineering expertise to help us.

Sarah Sharples, Professor of Human Factors at the University of Nottingham and Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport said: "I always enjoy talking and hearing about new forms of power, new methods of transport, and thinking about how, when, and why we travel. I hope some of those who attended are inspired to think about ways they can use their science and engineering expertise to help us design the transport system of the future."

Louise Caunt, Careers and Employer Engagement Lead at South Nottinghamshire Academy, said: “South Nottinghamshire Academy is keen to offer a range of STEM experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and we encourage our students to learn more about higher education and where it can lead. We are passionate about engaging with inspirational leaders from the world of work, who can share their knowledge and help to develop career ideas, because STEM never sleeps, and futuristic STEM jobs are the exciting vacancies of the future for our young people to consider.

“This event for our year nine students provides an excellent follow on from their year eight STEM Week, which took place earlier this year. An opportunity to stretch curiosity and actively develop interpersonal and collaboration skills, to help them develop through life. It's important to keep talking about STEM, it teaches critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills and instils a passion for innovation that fuels success across a variety of tasks and disciplines.

“As we head into the holidays, what better time to take students out of school to experience a great event at a prestigious university? I’d like to thank the University of Nottingham for having us.”