EIP has recently run a series of activities in schools promoting Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering (STEM).
The activities involved secondary school pupils at Ralph Allen School in Bath on 10 July, and Huish Episcopi Academy in Langport, Somerset, on 12 July. Pupils learnt why STEM skills are important in a world outside of education and the range of careers available to those with STEM experience.
In the activities EIP worked with PhD students from the University of Bath. At Ralph Allen School David Stanton from the Department of Chemistry explained his ground-breaking work on self-cleaning glass. At Huish Episcopi Academy Kaloyana Kostova from the Department of Civil Engineering led a bridge-building competition.
Pupils were also introduced to intellectual property via the UK Intellectual Property Office's Cracking Ideas competition.
EIP were involved via the STEMNET scheme, which places those from business into schools.
Ben Hoyle, a senior associate from EIP’s Bath office and STEM Ambassador, says: "STEM skills are essential for our patent clients. We are repeatedly told of the difficulty in employing skilled scientists and engineers. By running these activities we can hopefully inspire future generations to train for a STEM career and build a vibrant, innovative society."