Brooklands Innovation Academy has returned for its fourth, largest, and most successful event ever. The unique one-day educational programme attracted 480 students for an action-packed day of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths education (STEM). Once again, Professor Brian Cox was at the helm, inspiring and educating young people from across the South East.
BIA 2025 harnessed Brooklands’ unique history of innovation, engineering, entrepreneurship and science to deliver modern lessons and prepare students, aged 11-14, for the future of STEM industries. Engaging ‘Learning by Doing’ workshops led by industry experts and researchers went hand-in-hand with a selection of guest speakers from a broad variety of backgrounds and areas of interest.
Students were divided into 40 groups and rotated through a selection of 24 workshops and a host of guest speakers. Workshops included Learning How to Make Toothpaste, a Cyber Security Escape Room Challenge, Air Ambulance Logistics, and many more – each providing a different, practical lesson and spurring curiosity.
The speakers included mathematician and science author Simon Singh MBE, aviation specialist Helen Webb, automotive design engineer Dr Nash Vracas, Sarah Young from Haleon, and Professor Brian Cox. Entrepreneur and inventor Ruth Amos took on the role of MC throughout the event.
There was also a STEM Apprenticeship Panel led by Becky Ridler, founder of Not Just Girls.
BIA 2025 was made possible by Lead Sponsor Haleon, as well as Sponsors BAE Systems and Stanhope-Seta. It was also supported by the Walton Charity, State Street, Aviation Heritage UK, the Alan Baxter Foundation, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Federation Skills Trust, Booker, and our generous donors.
Brooklands Innovation Academy 2025 is part of the Science Summer School programme, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson. It is supported by the 360 Degree Society and the Bourne Education Trust.
Professor Brian Cox, co-founder of Science Summer School, said: “It was wonderful to be back at Brooklands, a place that embodies the spirit of curiosity, ingenuity, engineering and problem-solving. BIA is about channelling this unparalleled history and inspiring the next generation.
“It’s not just about teaching science and engineering; we’re nurturing curiosity. Why? Because the future will soon be in the hands of today’s school students – and having met so many of them at Brooklands I’m very optimistic about that!”
Alex Patterson, Director and CEO, Brooklands Museum, said: “Brooklands Innovation Academy plays a vital role in bringing students, businesses, and education providers together in a place steeped in the history of innovation – Brooklands Museum. In its fourth year, I am excited to say that we were able to expand the programme’s capacity, enabling as many students as possible to have meaningful exposure to STEM careers in action.
“I am truly grateful to our lead sponsor, Haleon, and programme sponsors and partners who made BIA happen – providing young people with the opportunity to dream big and help shape their futures at a time when we need more scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
Lord Andrew Mawson, Co-Founder of Science Summer School, said: “A jewel in the crown of UK STEM education, Brooklands Innovation Academy is a vital programme for Surrey and beyond. Few events create such an action-packed environment where students directly cross paths with – and are taught by – industry experts and the leaders of STEM fields. Through ‘Learning by Doing’, BIA inspires the scientists and engineers of our future.”
