A STEM Celebration in Lybster

6th July 2009

The work of STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - Ambassadors in the Caithness area was recognised this week in a celebration event hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in Lybster.

The ambassadors, all from a STEM backgrounds, work with schools to inspire the next generation to consider their future in areas which use science, technology engineering and mathematics every day.

Joining the ambassadors, who represented local businesses such as Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, North Highland College and their Environmental Research Institute, KP Technology, Nuvia ltd, WS Atkins and BNS Nuclear were teachers from local primary and secondary schools; Thurso High School pupils involved in the Shell Greenpower Challenge; local councillors; representatives from North Highland College, Highland and Islands Enterprise local office and the NDA.

The evening was introduced by Donna Chisholm, STEM Director at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with a big thanks being made to the ambassadors who had helped the pupils from Thurso High School to win the Scottish Shell Greenpower electric car-building competition. "In HIE we're delighted to see ambassadors working alongside young people to help them see the real world applications of what they learn everyday at school. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics is all around us, and we rely on scientists, technologists engineers to improve our world. We want our young people to stay engaged with STEM subjects and think about future careers in these areas".

Guest speaker, Bob Churchill from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority followed by giving an account of his varied career in STEM. As a young person who failed to get into grammar school and left school with few qualifications, Bob undertook a mechanical engineering apprenticeship and over the years moved up through the ranks to become the Director of AMEC Nuclear Ltd; a supplier of high-value consultancy, engineering and project management services to the world's energy, power and process industries. Bob is now Head of Socio Economic Development and Corporate Responsibility at NDA and he explained how a career in STEM opens doors and provides boundless opportunities.

The remainder of the evening allowed guests to mingle and visit the various attractions on offer such as the Nuvia groundhog vehicle and Shell Greenpower Formula 24 electric racing cars; stands from North Highland College, British Science Association, STEM North of Scotland, Nuvia and STEM Ambassador Gordon Mackie who provided materials on the Caithness Astronomy Group. Guests were also invited to take part in a K'NEX challenge hosted by STEM Ambassador Ruth Falconer. There was also a Big Brother style diary room set up where ambassadors could record their experiences using our videobooth.

Peter Hardyman, STEM Ambassador from Nuvia Ltd said '"As STEM Ambassadors it was an excellent opportunity to meet so many other people enthusiastic for STEM, and to see other activities, including two of Thurso High School's Greenpower cars."
The STEM North of Scotland Partnership is a grouping of six local authorities, the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, the Open University, Skills Development Scotland and HIE which works to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The group's aim is to ensure young people know more about the importance of STEM subjects in the world around them. In particular in energy, ICT, life sciences, finance and business, and food and drink - all very important employment sectors in the North of Scotland.

To see a film of the Thurso group testing their electric vehicles go to -
http://www.thurso.highland.sch.uk/electric/youngengineers.htm

Kim Thain
HIE
Tel: 01463 244238
email: kim.thain[AT]hient.co.uk