Brooklands Innovation Academy has hosted its largest and most successful event to date, bringing together 400 students aged 11-18 for an action-packed day of hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths education. The event was led by Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS, who once again captured the imagination of students from across the region with an inspiring and thought-provoking address. He was joined by renowned popular science author and physicist, Simon Lehna Singh MBE.
Brooklands Innovation Academy 2024 (BIA 2024) harnessed Brooklands’ unique history of innovation, engineering, entrepreneurship and science. Engaging workshops combined lessons from the past with leading-edge STEM education, linked together by a diversity of guest speakers. Each workshop embraced the philosophy of ‘Learning by Doing’ to make the students’ experience exciting, inspiring, and practical. The event was supported by industry leaders, multinational businesses, academics, and innovators.
On the day, students were organised into groups of 10 and rotated through a selection of 28 workshops and 6 guest speakers. Brooklands Innovation Academy continues to be one of the most comprehensive and expansive single-day education events in the UK. Much of the activity was themed around the major challenges of the 21st century, such as the climate crisis, pollution, sustainable transportation, physics, advanced medicine, and more.
Alongside Professor Brian Cox, guest speakers included Kwame Bekoe from Zero Petroleum, Preeti Roy from Haleon, representatives from the Cambridge University Eco Racing Society, and author Simon Lenha Singh. There was also an Apprentice Panel, chaired by Holly Hobbs from Apprentiva with apprentices from BAE Systems, Heritage Skills Academy, and the National Physical Laboratory.
BIA 2024 welcomed support from a number of industry partners, including Haleon, BAE Systems, Safran, Cargill, Ringway, NW Surrey Alliance, and Surrey County Council. Industry and government providers hosted interesting workshops, including Airbus, Bayer, McLaren, Ministry of Defence, National Health Service, National Physical Laboratory, and many more. These proved invaluable in exposing curious students to the frontier of industry, highlighting the necessity of STEM skills in solving tomorrow’s challenges.
Brooklands Innovation Academy is part of the national Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, and managed by 360 Degree Society.
Professor Brian Cox, co-founder of Science Summer School, 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.
“I was delighted to return for 2024 and see, once again, the power of Brooklands to ignite the spark of imagination. The legacy of British innovation and pioneering spirit in this special place is upheld by Brooklands Museum and the BIA. Each year, they inspire thousands of students, drawing insight from the past and discovering the brilliant possibilities of the future.”
Alex Patterson, Director and CEO, Brooklands Museum, said:“We were thrilled to once again open our gates to hundreds of students for the annual Brooklands Innovation Academy. This year was immensely successful, and I have already received fantastic feedback from students and guests. 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.
“We are extremely grateful to all involved in BIA 2024, especially Professor Brian Cox, our guest speakers, workshop leaders, and industry partners. Each year builds upon the last, making it more accessible and beneficial for students. A strong national STEM capability starts in grassroots education, inspiring young people to take on the challenges of their time. Our constant ambition is for BIA to be a catalyst in that journey.”
Lord Andrew Mawson OBE said:“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. Through ‘Learning by Doing’, BIA inspires the scientists and engineers of our future. The founding principles of Brooklands remind us that the future is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and endeavour.”
