Engineers and scientists from organisations including McLaren F1 and Airbus joined more than 400 students for the first-ever Brooklands Innovation Academy.

Part of the National Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, the all-day event celebrated innovation, human endeavour, and entrepreneurship.

Held at Brooklands Museum on 29 November, the Brooklands Innovation Academy brought together more than 70 experts in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) fields and highlighted the exciting opportunities and challenges in sectors including aerospace and robotics.

‘Wealth of young talent’

Professor Cox said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have presented this first Brooklands Innovation Academy, especially given recent and current challenges. I congratulate Brooklands Museum, Well North Enterprises, as well as the many project V1.6 partners and people for making it a reality.

“They believe, as do I, that there is a wealth of young talent here in the UK who, given the right inspiration and support, will become the STEM innovators of tomorrow.

“We need more scientists and engineers in the UK and Brooklands Innovation Academy is an important step in the right direction. 2022 has been a brilliant launch now let’s bring on 2023.”

Non-stop action and engagement

Tamalie Newbery, director and CEO at Brooklands Museum, said: “Our first-ever Brooklands Innovation Academy was an enormous success. The team did a fantastic job in bringing together industry personalities, companies, and educational organisations to provide a comprehensive and entertaining experience.

“It was non-stop action and engagement for the students, which was wonderful to see. We established the Brooklands Innovation Academy to inspire an entirely new generation of innovative and entrepreneurial thinkers. Judging from their smiles and curiosity, I believe we have achieved just that.

“It has been a privilege to work with Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson’s National Science Summer School programme. It has enabled us to provide young students across Surrey with an opportunity to meet engineers and scientists from diverse backgrounds working in many interesting.”
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