Experts encourage the community to open its EYES to science and engineering
19 Nov 2008
Over 150 guests were treated to a scientific delight at Cranfield University’s first ever Educating Youth in Engineering and Science (EYES) event last night.
The inventor of the wind-up radio, Trevor Baylis OBE, left the audience spellbound during the evening event held in the Campus’s Vincent Building as part of Enterprise Week.
Young people, teachers and parents interested in encouraging education in science and engineering listened to Trevor Baylis OBE explain why inventing is so important. Representatives from the Science and Engineering Ambassador’s Scheme and Cranfield’s Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) also gave speeches encouraging more students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Trevor Baylis OBE said: “It is so important to keep ideas flowing and to allow the imagination of youngsters to be unrestricted and run free so that curiosity prompts investigation, and interest in inventing is encouraged and rewarded.
“I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the EYES event at Cranfield University. It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and I hope to see more like it in the future.”
Last night also saw the launch of the University’s Technology Future’s Competition which urges youngsters to design products for the future. The first competition of its kind is aimed at young people of thirteen and over.
The competition will close in January 2009 for judging, enabling children to work on their entries over the Christmas holiday. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony during National Science and Engineering Week on 10 March 2009.
Professor Sir John O’Reilly, Vice-Chancellor, said: “It is so important for young people to realise that science can be exciting. Last night’s event encapsulated the idea of making science more fun and accessible. I feel proud that Cranfield has brought together such an excellent event.”
Cranfield University’s Regional Partnership Manager, Sarah Blenkinsop added: “Although we are a wholly postgraduate University we must help encourage young people to take on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event sparked the imagination of professionals and individuals involved with such subjects.”