- Future scientists and engineers who will play a crucial role in delivering sustainable energy for generations to come are set to benefit from a new programme launched by the University of Sheffield and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
- The initiative aimed at primary school pupils will spark children’s curiosity in fusion - technology that replicates the power of the Sun to provide safe, clean, limitless energy
- The national rollout follows a successful pilot in schools in North Nottinghamshire, close to the site where the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant will be constructed
A new nationwide fusion programme is set to spark children’s curiosity into the technology that could provide limitless clean energy and turn the dream of a low carbon world into a reality.
The primary school scheme, called STEP Forward, launched by the University of Sheffield and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UAEA), aims to inspire the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become future fusion pioneers.
Fusion is the chemical reaction that powers the Sun, which scientists are trying to replicate on a smaller scale here on Earth to provide clean, safe, limitless energy. Fusion power plants are currently in development, including the UK’s first – STEP Fusion – at a site in North Nottinghamshire, which is aiming to make the technology a reality by 2040. However, like many areas within engineering, there is currently a shortage of skilled engineers and scientists in the sector to help drive the technology forward.
The new programme will be rolled out in primary schools throughout the country to capture children’s imagination around fusion energy, science and technology in the hope more will consider becoming an engineer or scientist later in life.
The national rollout follows a pilot in 21 primary schools close to the STEP Fusion site, delivered in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council.
Dr Alison Buxton, Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Sheffield’s School of Education, said: “The pipeline of future scientists and engineers begins much earlier than university or even secondary school. Primary school is the decisive age when children start to form their first perceptions of subjects that interest them, which often stay with them for life.
“Children at primary school are very curious and eager to learn more about the world around them, so we hope to harness this by providing them with a range of activities that introduces them to fusion and sparks their interest. We have been really encouraged by the trial so far, the children have really engaged with the material, and we’re excited to now roll this out to primary schools across the UK.”
Tim Gladman, Employment and Skills Manager at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “Like many areas across the UK, Bassetlaw has suffered over the years from a low skill, low growth economy. We're hoping that with the STEP Fusion power plant, and other projects that follow, that we're going to nurture a higher skill, higher pay economy. Supporting the University of Sheffield and UKAEA to develop STEP Forward is an important part of this journey as we encourage our next generation of local workers. We’re delighted to see STEP Forward be rolled out on a national basis and hopefully local authorities similar to Bassetlaw will be supportive.”
Debbie Kempton, Director of Engineering Programme at STEP Fusion, said: “Primary schools play a crucial role in capturing children’s imagination. Even at the ages of 10 or 11, children can decide that science and engineering is or isn’t for them. By getting into primary schools early, making children aware that engineering is not just hard hats and spanners, helps us create that next generation of engineers coming through.”
Caroline Bellanger Wood, Interim Head of Skills, UKAEA: “Alison Buxton and UKAEA Outreach Manager Jordan d’Arras have done a fantastic job to develop STEP Forward. I would also like to give a massive thanks to Bassetlaw District Council for supporting the project on a local basis. We are delighted to be working with the University of Sheffield to make STEP Forward available to primary schools across the country and help address a national need.”
More information about STEP Forward.
