Science Summer School

Science Summer School 2024/25

Science Summer School 2024/25 was launched at the start of September 2024. 

Attended by businesses and teachers from local schools, the initiative is designed to inspire and engage young minds. 

This dynamic initiative is sponsored by 11 local companies committed to fostering future talent in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

The Science Summer School Initiative will offer a comprehensive series of activities aimed at sparking creativity, curiosity, and a passion for STEAM subjects among primary and post primary school students.

The programme will feature an array of engaging components, including:

• Competitions: Encouraging students to think outside the box and apply their knowledge in creative ways.
• School Workshops: Bringing STEAM concepts to life through interactive and hands-on learning experiences within schools.
• Behind-the-Scenes Company Visits: Offering students a unique opportunity to explore how local businesses leverage STEAM to innovate and drive success.

What is the Science Summer School?

The Science Summer School initiative was established in 2012 at St. Paul’s Way Trust School in East London by Lord Andrew Mawson OBE and Professor Brian Cox CBE, OBE, FRS.

The project is now expanding nationally with the aim to make ‘the UK the best place to do science and engineering in the world".

After a successful inaugural event in November 2022, the second Science Summer School was held in The Braid Civic Centre, Ballymena in in January 2024 and welcomed over 400 pupils to an engaging and thought-provoking day of STEAM activities including interactive workshops and stimulating TED Style Presentations from Industry Leaders as well as an inspirational Career Panel event in the evening.

We continue to bring world-leading STEAM academic and industry leaders to inspire and activate the curiosity of the student attendees at both the Science Summer School NI in January 2025 as well as wider school events and initiatives throughout the year.

The ‘Science Summer School’ initiative prides itself on being a catalyst for a collaborative vision for the Borough to nurture future talent.

In the months leading up to the main event, and as we plan for the next event, Council will host exciting school competitions with out-of-this-world prizes and hands-on company engagement opportunities for pupils and businesses in the Borough to come together and nurture future talent, showcasing career opportunities and create invaluable links between education and employment. 

Our Sponsors

Council is delighted to work with some of the borough’s key employers including headline sponsor Kilwaughter Minerals and company sponsors Ryobi, Teva, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, Michelin Development, Caterpillar, Moore Concrete, GES, Wright Bus, EPUKI and Phoenix Energy.

To learn more on the career pathways and exciting opportunities with these companies please visit the Programme Sponsors page.

Science Summer School NI is a Manufacturing Task Force initiative and is supported by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and funded by the Department for Communities.