sponsored by
- Event Date: 27/06/25
- Event Location: Solent University, Southampton
- Time: Full Day
- Age Group: 10 – 14yrs
A brilliant day designed to engage young minds in STEM through interactive workshops, industry talks, and hands-on activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to
- Learn from STEM professionals and role models
- Take part in practical activities and experiments
- Discover exciting career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and maths
170
Pupils
9
Schools
1020
STEM Learning Hours
16
Industry partners
9
Workshops
486
Volunteering Hours
SmartSTEMs University of Oxford Hub event, made possible by SSEN’s sponsorship, was a resounding success. It inspired pupils, strengthened school and stakeholder relationships, and demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving social impact.
The enthusiasm of attendees, the dedication of volunteers, and the insights shared by experts contributed to a memorable and impactful day.
This event not only highlighted SSEN’s commitment to education and community engagement but also laid the groundwork for continued partnerships that will benefit Oxfordshire’s future.
Interactive workshops covered topics including dam building, atomic energy, drone technology, and cybersecurity. The sessions showcased the real-world applications of STEM while sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among attendees. Welcome remarks were delivered by Lady Elish Angiolini and Dame Hilary Boulding, setting an inspiring tone for the event. A panel discussion featuring industry professionals Miles Thomas, Florence Hickling, Aqeel Bashir, and Ian Burnham provided pupils with valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities and pathways into STEM careers.
"The SmartSTEMs event provided a great insight into STEM as a whole and offered many opportunities for our students to engage and interact with other people with a shared interest. I highly recommend this event and hope to attend again in the future."
Teacher - Greyfriars Catholic School
“It was the best day ever! I liked testing the dam and we used our science brains to make sure ours worked.”
Pupil - St Francis CE Primary School
“The children were absolutely inspired to see how scientific knowledge is used by engineers to solve problems in the world. It was good CPD for me too – and I will ensure that I link science learning in the classroom to the world of work in the future.”
Teacher - St Francis CE Primary School
Engaging Stakeholders and Industry Collaboration
The event also served as a platform to deepen connections with stakeholders in Oxfordshire. By showcasing SSEN’s investment in education and community engagement, the event reinforced the organisation’s role as a leader in promoting social impact. Stakeholders left with a stronger appreciation for SSEN’s programmes and their potential for ongoing collaboration.
For the sixteen exhibitors involved, the event provided a chance to connect with young people and demonstrate their commitment to STEM education. This collaboration underscored the shared goal of preparing a skilled future workforce and enhancing STEM learning opportunities in the region.
“It was a fantastic event - thank you for having us!”
“Absolutely - I was discussing with our UK Comms Manager yesterday, we're keen to support where we can do so.”
