The University of Westminster School of Life Sciences has hosted its 10th annual event in collaboration with science4u to inspire students from London schools to study science. This year’s theme was Science for the Next Generation and focused on the future of science, including AI and sustainability.
The Annual Schools Science Conference (science4u) was launched in 2004 with the aim to inspire pupils from London to study science through demonstrating its importance in everyday life and showcasing future career options. Its success was recognised in 2020 when it was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Westminster has hosted the event since 2015 and welcomes 350 students and their teachers from secondary schools across London each year. The schools are joined by 80-100 scientists from organisations including the NHS, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Institute of Biomedical Science, other universities and pharmaceutical companies.
Each year the conference has a different theme, with this year’s focusing on science for the next generation. The day comprised of interactive exhibits and workshops designed to enthuse students about science, covering a diverse range of topics including nutrition, exercise, biotechnology, sustainability and AI. In addition to the interactive activities, Professor Lewis Dartnell, Professor in Science Communication at the University of Westminster, delivered an inspirational plenary lecture on astrobiology.
The schools then competed for the annual Don Henderson Award, where pupils presented the results of an experiment they undertook at school in front of other schools and a panel of judges.
The day’s events were run by 40 academic, research and technical colleagues from Westminster’s School of Life Sciences and Research and Knowledge Exchange Office. They were supported by doctoral researchers from the University’s Graduate School, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students. Students from Westminster’s Talent Bank also worked as student ambassadors and took school groups on tours around the Cavendish Campus.
Westminster colleagues and students who supported the event
About the event Professor Louise Thomas, Professor of Metabolic Imaging and Co-ordinator of the School of Life Sciences' contribution to science4u, said: “Leading science4u at Westminster for the last ten years has been a joy. It is an event that not only brings together our colleagues and students, but it also brings out the best in everyone. It’s always exciting to see what new ideas people have to engage school students in science and research. Talking to the school pupils and hearing their excitement about topics that are new to them, careers they have just discovered and new possibilities, and their realisation that, yes, university is for people like them, makes this a very worthwhile experience.”
She added: “It is a fantastic event to be part of and a huge undertaking which wouldn’t be possible without the very generous support of Professor Alistair Mathie, Head of the School of Life Sciences, and Kaushika Patel, Head of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We are also very grateful to Hannah Dormor, who did a brilliant job organising the event and liaising with the science4u team, to our award-winning technical team led by Kim Storey and our Estates team, who ensured the event ran smoothly.”
Westminster’s collaboration with science4u directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about outreach for schools and colleges at the University of Westminster.
Find out more about undergraduate courses at the School of Life Sciences.
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