Dr Gaurav Gupta from Lancaster University’s School of Engineering joined IChemE at the annual UlverSTEM event in Ulverston in South Cumbria, engaging young people aged six to sixteen in STEM activities.

UlverSTEM is an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) focused event for six to16 year olds. It is an exciting collaborative event which gives young people in and around the Furness area of Cumbria the chance to explore the STEM opportunities on their doorstep. Being part of this event is an important part of the outreach work of the School of Engineering and Dr Gaurav Gupta, Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, has joined the event for the last two years with activities and information to engage and interest young minds. He demonstrated activities related to production of hydrogen using Electrolysis and then utilisation of hydrogen in fuel cell electric vehicles to show how hydrogen can play an important role in the sustainability by moving away from fossil fuels and help to achieve the Net Zero targets set by the UK government. Over 1,000 people attended the event, which shows a strong appetite for STEM activities by young people in the area.

Joining IChemE at the event was also a prestigious part of the day. They are the UK’s Institution of Chemical Engineers; internationally recognised qualifying body and learned society for chemical, biochemical and process engineers. They also have close links with Lancaster University’s Chemical Engineering Research Group and accredit some of the courses within the School of Engineering.

Dr Gaurav Gupta said: “The event was very well organised and the volunteers who were school students were very welcoming and friendly to everyone. The children who visited our stand were all excited about Sustainability including recycling and pollution and were actively asking questions related to Engineering and sustainability. It was nice to engage with such enthusiastic young crowd who will be future leaders around STEM.”

Jayne Moorby, Chair of Trustees for Furness Education and Skills Partnership which oversees UlverSTEM said: “We were delighted that Dr Gaurav Gupta was able to join IChemE at UlverSTEM, we understand that young people care deeply about ustainability and this activity was a great way to showcase the link between Engineering and Sustainability. We had over 35 interactive experiences at the event and the feedback has been exceptional, UlverSTEM opens young people’s eyes to opportunities for future learning and careers, the ability for us to showcase leading edge technology from institutions like Lancaster University and IChemE is exciting and aspirational.”

Schools interested in bringing STEM to life for their students are encouraged to connect with Lancaster University to take part in future outreach activities and events like UlverSTEM.