World renowned physicist and TV astronomer Professor Brian Cox will be the star of a stellar new education event being supported by the AMRC to inspire the north’s next generation of scientists and engineers.

Particle physicist Prof Cox is coming to Rotherham next year for a northern leg of his London-based Science Summer School, which was founded nine years ago through a partnership created with social entrepreneur Lord Andrew Mawson.

The eminent scientist, writer and broadcaster is passionate about paving the way for future generations of scientists and engineers and it was always his and Lord Mawson’s intention to launch a northern satellite event.

Rotherham has been chosen to host next year’s northern expansion which takes place in November 2020, led by Well Rotherham and supported by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Rotherham and Sheffield councils and the Harworth Group. 

Jack Forrest, from the AMRC STEM and Outreach Team, is helping plan for the science extravaganza. He says it is a fantastic opportunity for the AMRC to be involved in helping inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.

He said: “We’re really pleased Rotherham has been chosen as the location for this satellite event; it brings it to the heartland of advanced manufacturing.

“This event will allow us to highlight the opportunities that are on the doorstep foryoung people in Rotherham, such as the AMRC Training Centre, and shows we are a region committed to nurturing the future talent that is vital to ensure our engineering and manufacturing sectors can thrive.”

The announcement follows a trip in the summer organised by Well Rotherham which saw 23 pupils from local schools - Wath Academy, Wales High and Maltby Academy - journey down to London to take part in Prof Cox’s science summer school, joining hundreds of other young people from across the country.

Kris MacKay, programme manager for Well Rotherham, said: “It was such a fantastic experience to be able to go to London. Watching these young people who are so passionate about the world of science start their journey as ambassadors was an incredible opportunity.

“Over the next year they’ll be working together to help us co-produce the satellite event. This will be happening in November 2020 and it will be such a joy and privilege to have Professor Brian Cox come and join us.” 

It promises to be an out-of-this-world experience for young people, mixing the best of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths) subjects through TED-style talks from special guest speakers, industry and academic leaders, and lots of hands-on workshops and experiments.

As part of the event, an exposition will be held at the Advanced Manufacturing Park working in partnership with local businesses on the park including Rolls-Royce and McLaren, along with Gulliver's which is developing a theme park in Rotherham.

Kris added: “This isn’t going to be a one-off event. Throughout the year we’ll be working with our partner schools Wath Academy, Maltby Academy and Wales High to organise activities and events that continue to inspire the students.”

If you’d like to support the event, through financial support, delivering project activities or as a parent, school or young person who would like to get involved, email K.Mackay@syha.co.uk or call 07493 868 057.