Sixth Form students recently had the opportunity to attend the British Science Festival, hosted by the University of Southampton. The event brings together leading academics, researchers and innovators to showcase exciting developments in science, technology, medicine, economics and society.
Students were able to choose from a wide range of engaging sessions, including exploring the impact of climate change on deep-sea ecosystems, discovering cutting-edge marine research, and learning how virtual reality is driving medical innovation.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with university-level ideas, gain insight into potential degree subjects and career pathways. Through exposure to a diverse range of topics and expert speakers, students were encouraged to think critically about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future.
Reflecting on their experiences, our students shared their insights from the sessions they attended:
'Holy Motherboard' explored the challenging task of integrating a “social robot” into the centuries-old St Giles’ Cathedral. Andrew Blair delved into the complicated role of an autonomous social agent in such a vulnerable and important place. It offered unique insights into the world of both AI and robotics; however, some of the major flaws in social robots were overlooked, with a slight detachment from the engineers and students behind the system and the opinions of the public on the readiness of social robots for wider use.
Max (Year 12)
In my first seminar 'Building Future AI' we had the opportunity to create a world based on our own imagination and we also talked about what we thought AI looks like. We drew it and incorporated it into the construction of our own world. While in the second seminar 'Electromagnetic Art', we learned about how sciences can be used and incorporated into art to create various visual effects and to paint people.
Anette (Year 12)
Dr. Rebecca Sear (Brunel University London) used a crystal-clear lens to shine a light on the pseudoscience that has been dominating anthropology for the last decade. Her engrossing discussion of race science, the cold winter theory and their links to eugenics created a powerful, provocative lecture that compelled the entire audience to re-evaluate scientists across the globe. The harrowing implications of the topics she discussed will stay with me for many years.
Ellie (Year 12)
‘Surgery ahead of the Game’ featured the innovation of virtual reality and immersive computer programs to help surgeons develop confidence in their operations. However, numerous test results and case studies seem to show that such technologies have a minimal impact.
Niko (Year 12)
