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Science and engineering pioneers awarded for illuminating the way for next generation
EDT's Peter Tattersall received recognition for his dedication to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as an Ambassador at the House of Lords.
A collection of British men and women working in science and engineering were presented with awards at the House of Lords in recognition of their work as STEM Ambassadors - inspiring young people about the possibilities of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Peter has worked for the Engineering Education Scheme for 12 years as well as promoting Imagineering Clubs during the past 12 months and has been totally fulfilled in witnessing the growth of bright teenagers responding to the real demands of their industrial challenges.
“As there are many STEM Ambassadors it was a real privilege to be nominated by Lawrie Peck of Derbyshire to be one of the 26 people receiving recognition at the STEM Celebration on the banks of the Thames. As the photo indicates the day was wonderful from beginning to end and I had opportunity to chat with Lord Sainsbury who hugely supported EES in its early days.”
The STEM Ambassadors Programme, co-ordinated by STEMNET, is a network of 19,000 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) people across the UK who work with local schools and colleges on a voluntary basis to run workshops, activities and experiments, give careers talks and mentor promising students. In the majority of cases these Ambassadors are supported by their employers. Over half of them are under 35 and 40% are women. Their day-jobs range from astro-physics to materials technology, web design to sustainability. STEMNET is aiming to recruit 8,000 more STEM Ambassadors by 2011.
In his keynote speech at the House of Lords event Roger Highfield, Editor of New Scientist, said: “It is a no brainer that our economy is going to be ever more dependent on STEM subjects but it is a matter of some angst just how we get young people animated by science and engineering. I love the STEM Ambassador idea. It sends out a signal that science, engineering, technology and maths are useful and relevant. It shows the human face of science (not the crazy, white-haired, old bloke). It gives teachers much needed support. There’s no better way to turn kids on to STEM than to connect them with people who have a genuine passion for the subject.
“Enthusiasm is infectious”, he added, before calling on STEM Ambassadors to “keep on fanning those little embers of interest into flames.”
The EDT would like to congratulate Peter on receiving this award and for all his hard work and dedication to EDT and the STEM community.
For more information please contact Peter Tattersall on 01629 581298 or p.tattersall@etrust.org.uk