Talented school pupils took to the stage last night (Wednesday, June 15) to present science and technology projects at the third Heroes of Tomorrow event.
Sponsored and hosted by Statoil, the event featured students from Hazlehead Academy, Mintlaw Academy and St Leonard’s School in St Andrews giving short presentations to their families, peers and industry professionals on a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topic they are passionate about.
The event aimed to engage the next generation of students in science communication and encourage them to follow a career in one of the STEM areas.
Akhil Samuel, a pupil at Hazlehead Academy, gave a talk on vertical farming, while his fellow student Leah Alexander spoke about her vision for a new exhibition and concert space for Aberdeen.
Ben Newlands and Scott McKenzie, also from Hazlehead Academy, gave a presentation on their Greenpower F24 Race Car project.
Joanne Macdonald, Stephanie Buchan and Erin Kindness from Mintlaw Academy discussed their project for the MATE ROV challenge, which saw them building and testing an ROV and qualifying for the competition’s international finals in Houston.
Ewan Oldroyd, who attends St Leonard’s School in St Andrews, gave a presentation on Piaget's theory on child developmental psychology.
Helena Oldroyd, who also attends St Leonard's School, talked about her work on molecular fluorescence in organoids and its potential use in cancer research.
Sarah Chew, TechFest’s managing director, believes the future is very bright with the quality of presentations she has seen since the inaugural event in 2015.
“The Statoil Heroes of Tomorrow event showcases just a flavour of talent we have growing up around us and gives them the opportunity to present to an audience on a subject they feel strongly about,” she said.
“These school pupils are our future, from engineers and scientists to doctors and teachers, and it is inspiring to see them using their own time to deliver intelligent and thought-provoking presentations.
“Statoil’s Heroes of Tomorrow programme is closely aligned with TechFest’s aim to engage young people in the four main STEM subjects and encourage them to go on to follow a career which utilises these skills by demonstrating that they are fun as well as relevant in day-to-day life.”
Chris Andrews, UK vice president, Asset Management, for Statoil, added: “We are very pleased to have hosted this event in partnership with TechFest. Our Heroes of Tomorrow concept is all about supporting and inspiring young people to develop their interest in science and maths. This event goes a step further and sees them participate in a hands-on way, which is another core value of Statoil’s. It’s very motivating to see such promise in these young scientists here today.”
Through a programme of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities – of which TechFest In September is the main event – the aim is to engage, challenge, inform and inspire young people and encourage them to choose a career which utilises these skills.
Statoil supports the development of young talent through its Heroes of Tomorrow sponsorship programme which is designed to inspire talented individuals to strive for future success in sport, culture and education.
The event was held at Statoil’s offices in Kingswells.