Focusing on science stands as one of the most effective methods to enact significant change in people’s lives.
The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM subjects, haven’t always been perceived as trendy or appealing, despite the influence of shows like Breaking Bad. Outdated perceptions of what studying a scientific discipline at university entails can deter young people from pursuing these paths.
Recent surveys indicate a concerning underrepresentation of women in STEM industries, despite making up about half of the UK workforce. Additionally, there’s a pressing need to double the annual enrollment into engineering programs by 2020 to meet future demands.
It’s evident that raising awareness among young people about the opportunities in STEM fields remains a priority in education.
The Telegraph STEM Awards program, now in its second year, aims to address this issue. Students have the chance to pitch their ideas to industry experts for a chance to win £25,000 and a customized mentoring program.
The program’s five sponsors represent various sectors including technology, automotive, design in the built environment, pharmaceuticals, and energy. The winner will be chosen by an expert judging panel in June.
Despite their young age, this year’s finalists represent the future of innovative advancements. Their ideas range from a maternity bra designed to alleviate back pain to a remote-operated digger aimed at reducing accidents on construction sites.
However, with outdated stereotypes still hindering young minds, finalists were asked to debunk three common myths surrounding STEM subjects:
- “I’ll spend all my time in a lab.”
Tom Mallett, a 20-year-old engineering student, believes that the perception of spending excessive time in university labs deters potential students. He points out that while science and math are often viewed as challenging subjects in school, they don’t necessarily equate to endless hours in a lab. Many STEM degrees include practical fieldwork opportunities.
Abbie Romano, a 21-year-old structural engineering student, emphasizes that the stereotypes associated with STEM don’t reflect reality. She spends most of her time on construction sites and wants to dispel the notion that STEM professionals fit a specific mold.
- “It’s not for girls.”
Abbie is one of only five girls in her engineering course. She advocates for more efforts to attract girls to STEM fields, citing a lack of career guidance during her school years. Mark Goudie, a 23-year-old engineering student, suggests that STEM education in elementary schools needs improvement to encourage more girls to pursue these subjects.
Habiba Akhtar, a 23-year-old pharmacy student, entered the competition driven by her desire to make a difference. Her proposal involves creating a bionic woman for clinical trials, showcasing the potential of STEM to revolutionize healthcare.
- “I’m not smart enough.”
Many finalists emphasize the importance of clear communication in presenting their ideas. Tom believes that simplicity often wins over complexity when pitching a product. The technology finalists from Aston University designed a maternity bra that provides gentle reminders to improve posture through customized electronic components.
Overall, finalists stress the importance of programs like STEM Ambassadors in sparking interest in STEM subjects among young people. These initiatives connect students with professionals in STEM fields to make learning more engaging and accessible.
Hi, I am John Smit a Captain in Fire Department City of Newyork with over years of experience in the field of Firefighting and HSE. My passion for fire safety started when I was a young boy and witnessed a neighbor’s house go up in flames along with precious lives. Since then, I had dedicated my life to ensuring the safety of buildings, properties, and individuals in case of a fire and medical emergencies.