Using Lego to design a sustainable music festival and experimenting with bioenergy were on the timetable for around 100 Yorkshire teens with a passion for problem-solving.
Pupils from 10 schools across the region took part in hands-on activities, including building miniature boats, at the University of Leeds to mark International Women’s Day.
The event, which celebrated gender diversity in engineering, showcased achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), with help from the University’s students, past and present.
Workshops run by the University’s STEM Outreach team and led by engineering postgraduate researchers included: ‘Fan-tastic’; Designing a Sustainable Music Festival; and Exploring Bioenergy. They provided useful insights into real-world engineering challenges, using skills ranging from design to problem-solving, lab work, computer modelling, creativity, and teamwork. The youngsters also heard from a University of Leeds engineering graduate who now works in the aviation industry.
The event was aimed at female and female-representing secondary school students aged 13 to 15, with an interest in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.
Engineering and Design drive global innovation, but without gender diversity, we limit our ability to evolve and tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We need fresh perspectives, creativity, and inclusivity to truly push boundaries.
Masha, aged 14, said: “Everyone had different skills that we all contributed, and it’s important for representation that we’re here. If we don’t increase the representation, we’ll only ever see men doing it, and we won’t see other people taking those engineering opportunities.”
Rose, also aged 14, added: “Engineering is a bit like sports, I’m a football player, and the opportunities and money in women’s football is still a lot less than men’s. Everyone should be able to have the same opportunities.”
Jacqueline McNulty, a teacher at North Huddersfield Trust School, said: “It’s great for the kids just to be able to come to the University and see themselves here. A lot of our kids don’t get these kinds of experiences, they often don’t leave the local area. It’s incredible for them to have these opportunities. We didn’t get these kinds of things when I was a kid.”
Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris, School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds, and Engagement Champion for the EDI Hub+, said: “Engineering and Design drive global innovation, but without gender diversity, we limit our ability to evolve and tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We need fresh perspectives, creativity, and inclusivity to truly push boundaries.
“It’s so important that young people see STEM as a space where everyone belongs, no matter their gender identity. Opportunities in this field should be open to all, and we have a responsibility to make that clear.
“This event is all about championing gender diversity and showing just how exciting, creative, and impactful this industry can be. By sharing inspiring stories and real opportunities, we hope to encourage more young people to be global citizens, especially those underrepresented, to follow their passion, break barriers, and succeed.”
Alex Norgett, a PhD researcher working on 3D printing of biomaterials, set the teens the task of designing festival infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and accessibility — to create an event that is both environmentally friendly and takes disability inclusion into account.
The 23-year-old said: “Representation matters. I never saw role models in engineering who looked like me, and it’s hard to choose a path when you can’t picture yourself in it. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting events like this — to show young people the potential possibilities.”
Professor Ozz Querin, Pro-Dean for Student Education in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Leeds, said: “Although there are countless women in engineering whose discoveries and innovations have changed the world, there is still a long way to go before we reach gender parity in this field.
“That’s why it is vital that we champion engineering careers to the next generation and celebrate gender diversity.”
Further information
Caption: Secondary school pupils from across Yorkshire took part in engineering activities at the University to mark International Women’s Day.
Credit: Mark Bickerdike Photography