SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOLS is a school led initiative delivered by OIBC, which connects STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) professionals working at the cutting edge of their field with schools. The aim is to enthuse more young people to connect with STEM and encourage them to pursue a career in STEM.

Research published by STEM Learning shows that 73% of businesses have found it more difficult to hire staff in 2017/2018. Business leaders revealed a major shortage of staff with STEM skills. Over half expect the STEM skills shortage to get worse in the next decade. Meanwhile the growth of the sector will likely double the number of STEM careers by 2028. STEM will be a key sector of employment for today’s students, entering the workplace in 2030.

Schools can pick from 3 different formats of events on a subject of their choice:

Previous subjects include:

• The human brain
• Music and the brain
• The brain and memory
• What makes us human?
• New body parts for old: stem cells and regenerative medicine
• The mysterious human heart: genes, environment, therapy
• Infertility: treatment, science, ethics
• Access, not excess: novel ways to nourish the world
• Alternative energy: health and the environment
• Powering the future: alternative energy – harvesting the forces of nature
• Cancer: causes and treatment
• Ecology: adaptations to extreme environments
• Viruses: the invisible enemy
• Particle physics and stellar astrophysics
• Modifying organisms: from plants to humans
• Is there a plan-et B?
• Fusion and radioactivity
• Hidden from view – Science at cellular level
• Aerodynamics and rocket engines
• Drugs and diseases
• Harnessing the power of the immune system for the development of new medicines

Previous STEM professionals include:

• Prof Richard Dawkins
• Prof Heidi Johansen-Berg
• Sir Richard Gardner
• Dr Michael Mosley

To book a seminar, career talk, or pop up Café des Sciences please contact Kasia Lewis: klewis@oibc.org.uk to find out more.