On October 3, 2024, Brooklands Museum once again became a beacon of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as it hosted the largest and most successful Brooklands Innovation Academy (BIA) to date. Now in its third year, the event welcomed 400 students from across Surrey and beyond, offering them a dynamic, hands-on learning experience designed to spark creativity and innovation.
The Brooklands Innovation Academy 2024 (BIA 2024) was led by renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS and popular science author Simon Lenha Singh MBE, who captivated the young minds with their enthusiasm for science and exploration. The event was part of a wider learning programme created by Brooklands Museum in partnership with Bourne Education Trust and 360 Degree Society, which won ‘Learning Programme of the Year’ at the Museums + Heritage Awards 2023. The event’s ethos is rooted in ‘Learning by Doing,’ a philosophy that encourages active, experiential learning to foster deeper understanding and engagement in STEM fields.
A Historic Setting for a Forward-Looking Event
Held at the iconic Brooklands Museum, a site that has long been synonymous with innovation, engineering, and pioneering achievement, BIA 2024 brought together the legacy of British ingenuity with the latest in STEM education. The students, aged 11 to 18, participated in a range of exciting and practical workshops designed to address the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, sustainable transportation, and advanced medicine.
Students were divided into small groups and rotated through 28 workshops and six guest speaker sessions. The workshops spanned topics from physics and engineering to biotechnology and environmental science, providing a comprehensive overview of STEM’s role in shaping the future.
Among the distinguished speakers were Kwame Bekoe from Zero Petroleum, Preeti Roy from Haleon, and representatives from the Cambridge University Eco Racing Society. Additionally, an Apprentice Panel chaired by Holly Hobbs from Apprentiva featured apprentices from BAE Systems, the Heritage Skills Academy, and the National Physical Laboratory, offering students insights into career paths and opportunities in STEM fields.
Industry Support and Hands-On Learning
BIA 2024 benefitted from the strong support of numerous industry leaders and academic institutions, including Haleon, BAE Systems, Safran, and Surrey County Council. Major organisations such as Airbus, McLaren, and the National Health Service hosted workshops, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and the experts who are driving innovation.
These interactive sessions allowed students to understand the direct application of STEM skills in real-world scenarios, helping them see how science and technology can address global challenges. This immersive approach aligns with the Academy’s goal to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators by providing them with hands-on experience and real-world knowledge.
A Vision for the Future
Brooklands Innovation Academy is an integral part of the national Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE in 2012. The programme’s mission is to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM and to make the UK a global leader in science and engineering.
Reflecting on the success of the 2024 event, Professor Brian Cox said, “Brooklands Innovation Academy 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.”
The significance of Brooklands as the host venue was not lost on participants. As the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, the site itself embodies the spirit of innovation that the Academy seeks to inspire. Brooklands Museum’s Director and CEO, Alex Patterson, emphasised this connection: “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.”
Building a Stronger Future for STEM
As the third iteration of this annual event, BIA 2024 demonstrated the increasing demand for STEM education and the value of experiential learning. The combination of interactive workshops, inspiring speakers, and the involvement of leading industry partners makes Brooklands Innovation Academy a vital part of the UK’s STEM education landscape.
Lord Andrew Mawson, co-founder of the Science Summer School, praised the Academy’s efforts, stating, “A jewel in the crown of UK STEM education, Brooklands Innovation Academy is a vital programme for Surrey and beyond. Few events create an action-packed environment where students directly cross paths with – and are taught by – industry experts and the leaders of STEM fields.”
With the support of organisations across multiple sectors, Brooklands Innovation Academy continues to provide invaluable opportunities for students to engage with STEM in meaningful and practical ways. As the event grows year after year, its impact on shaping the scientists, engineers, and innovators of the future becomes ever more apparent.
Brooklands Innovation Academy’s focus on ‘Learning by Doing’ has proven to be a successful model for STEM education, inspiring curiosity, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
