In the end, half an hour of sweaty palms and stammering speech was well worth it. Not only did I get to listen to Julian Kytasty, a world-renowned bandura player, but I also got to chat with him and learn about his musical heritage and traditions. Not only did I get to experience the joyful teaching of Mamadou Koita, a virtuoso balafón player from Burkina Faso, but I also got to play djembe alongside him and Afua Cooper, a slam poet, author and scholar.

I’ve been a drummer for the best part of two decades, but taking part in this course and working with Marcia has broadened my understanding of what music is, what it can be and what it can mean to different people. Music can be collaboration and friendship, culture and purpose, identity and belonging.

In Marcia’s podcast episode, I spoke to Leim Joe, a research assistant at the CSC who grew up in Eskasoni, the world’s largest Mi’kmaw First Nation community. I asked Leim about his relationship with Mi’kmaw music and how it shapes his identity. This is what he said:

“I’ve always been part of it. I’ve always heard the chants. But a couple years ago, somebody told me, “If you don’t take a hold of your culture now, you will regret it, because every time you look at somebody and you’re proud of them, but you’re not proud of yourself, you’re missing out.” So I picked up the drum and started singing.”

While it’s easy to think of music as something done by other people – performed by pop stars, played by musicians, studied by ethnomusicologists – the truth is that music is a part of all of us. No matter where you live or where you’re from, the chances are that music plays a role in your culture, whether you have “taken hold of it” yet or not. All that remains is for you to pick up the drum and start singing.

You can access the Centre for Sound Communities Futurum resources here: futurumcareers.com/how-can-innovative-ethnomusicology-research-help-foster-diversity-inclusivity-and-equity-in-the-music-industry

The full list of UK schools with students confirmed as finalists can now be viewed on The Big Bang website. The STEM projects come under the following themes:

• AI, robotics and digital technology
• Design for people and communities
• Entertainment and hobbies
• Health, medicine and wellbeing
• Sustainability and environment

Phillip McShane, Associate Director of Engagement Projects at EUK Education commented: “It’s brilliant to see so many young people making the connections between their own creativity and how STEM can help solve real-world challenges. Once again, the standard of projects has been incredibly high. The environment, AI and health are project themes that continue to be popular as young people look to engineering and technology to provide solutions. This year we continue to see entrants using a greater mix of STEM skills to create their projects.”

Top awards include The Big Bang UK Young Engineer (supported by Thales), The Big Bang UK Young Technologist (supported by Siemens), and The Big Bang UK Young Scientist of the Year. Winners of each category will receive a trophy plus £1,000 prize money. A host of special awards supported by key engineering and tech industry partners are also on offer, as well as the EUK Education teacher award for school staff who have gone above and beyond to support students throughout their projects.

James Mackay, Head of STEM in the UK at Thales, commented: “Congratulations to all the young people who have entered The Big Bang Competition – your curiosity, creativity, and passion for discovering new possibilities are truly inspiring. At Thales, we’re proud to support The Competition for the first time, helping to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators. I know myself and my colleagues have loved looking over and providing feedback for some of the submissions – it’s been wonderful to see such exciting ideas. Your ideas today have the power to shape a brighter tomorrow, and we encourage you to keep exploring, questioning, and believing in your potential.”

Mark Wood, Social Sustainability Lead, Great Britain & Ireland, at Siemens said: “Congratulations to all the finalists in The Big Bang Competition, supported by Siemens. As always, the competition has been fierce, but the finalists should be so proud of what they have already achieved, and I look forward to meeting them to hear more about their projects. Technology holds the key to solving the problems we face every day, so competitions like The Big Bang Competition, which embed creativity as well as real world solutions using technology, have never been more important to our environment, our society and our world.”

Finalists will be invited to showcase their projects to industry professionals, employers, and other young people at The Big Bang Fair taking place 9 to 11 June 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham. Winners of The Competition will be crowned at an exciting awards ceremony at The Fair on 9 June.

The annual Big Bang Fair is the largest free celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people aged 10 to 13 in the UK. Through hands-on activities, incredible shows and career panels, the fair inspires students about the diverse careers in STEM.

School groups can book free tickets to attend The Big Bang Fair.

Find out more information about The Big Bang Competition here.

In the lab, neurobiologists are studying the brain to understand psychiatric diseases, pharmacologists are investigating the function of unknown proteins in the body, molecular biologists are exploring why and how our cells age in the hope of helping people live healthier lives for longer, and cancer researchers are examining whether diet influences the outcome of cancer treatment.

In hospitals, health researchers are examining scientific evidence to determine which treatments doctors should recommend for different health conditions, doctors and data scientists are working together to improve emergency departments, and nurses are improving the health of Indigenous communities.

Biomedical engineers are developing wearable sensors to monitor health conditions, testing whether new tissue can be grown in microgravity, and combining mechanical technology with AI to create smart prostheses. And textile scientists have designed an innovative new sanitary pad to improve the menstrual health and dignity of women and girls in low-income countries.

And scientific advances are not only improving human health. From environmental scientists who are using plants to clean contaminated land and ecologists who are using mathematical models to monitor wildlife populations, to microbiologists who are preventing the spread of livestock diseases and geographers who are using remote sensing technologies to make agriculture more sustainable, scientists around the world are using their knowledge and discoveries to protect the health of the planet.

This World Health Day, what questions do you have about how science can improve the health of people and the planet? Visit futurumcareers.com/articles and scroll to the bottom of each article to ask your questions!

The STEM Discovery Campaign is your opportunity to showcase your successes, inspire others and amplify the impact of your practice. It helps you share your educational achievements inside and outside the classroom with thousands of educators around the world, using the Scientix^® portal or the STEM Discovery Campaign App.

And in the spirit of celebration and championing success, more than 20 Scientix® Awards will once again recognise the contributions of exceptional educators who pinned their activities on the map and contributed to making STEM education better for their students and fellow educators.

This year, the STEM Discovery Campaign is co-organised with NBS Academy, a project co-funded by the European Union that puts solutions inspired by nature at the heart of teacher training.

The project aims to set up an international Community of Practice on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) education for both teachers and teacher training providers. With its resources for educators and teacher trainers, NBS Academy makes it easier than ever before to introduce environmental education into everyday teaching, helping students and teachers develop crucial skills and competencies for tomorrow. By co-organising the STEM Discovery Campaign in 2026, NBS Academy helps celebrate education for sustainability by exploring the power of NBS in teaching and learning. Make sure to visit the NBS Academy resource hub to discover hundreds of resources to upskill with environmental knowledge.

Join the STEM Discovery Campaign and celebrate your place in the thriving STEM education community. Explore the STEM Discovery Campaign page for more information.

• Dr Ann Weaver is a biostatistician who is statistically analysing data about wild bottlenose dolphins to understand their behaviour and culture.
• Professor Astrid Linder is a road safety expert who has developed the world’s first female crash test dummy to ensure that new vehicles are designed to protect female drivers and passengers as well as male ones.
• Professor Barbara Zeeb is an environmental scientist who is using plants to remove salts from contaminated soils.
• Dr Beth Stevens and Dr Cherish Taylor are neurobiologists who are investigating how problems with brain development during adolescence can cause schizophrenia.
• Dr Catherine Patocka and Dr Jessalyn Holodinsky, an emergency department doctor and data scientist respectively, are creating a system to optimise patient care in emergency departments.
• Professor Elena Suvorova is a cell biologist who is studying how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite reproduces at a cellular level.
• Dr Émilie Saulnier-Talbot and Dr Hilary Corlett, a biogeographer and geologist respectively, are collecting seafloor sediments from the Canadian Arctic to understand how carbon is transferred from the lad to the sea.
• Dr Holly Graham is a nurse who is supporting Indigenous nurses and empowering healthcare professionals to address racism.
• Dr Jill Maron is a neonatal paediatrician who is developing tests that use saliva to diagnose health conditions in newborn babies.
• Dr Katherine Cook is a translational cancer researcher who is analysing faecal samples to understand how the gut microbiome impacts the outcomes of cancer treatments.
• Kathryn Vaughan and Gillian Power are conservation ecology students who are developing mathematical models to help manage wildlife populations.
• Professor Lali Medina-Kauwe is a biomedical scientist who has created a new protein that can deliver drugs into the brain to fight cancer.
• Dr Marilyn Lightstone is a mechanical engineer who is investigating how to make buildings more energy efficient.
• Professor Natalie Trevaskis is a pharmaceutical scientist who is developing new drugs that are delivered to the body by the lymphatic system rather than the bloodstream.
• Toni Scullion is a computer science teacher who has started a girls’ coding club to enthuse girls about computer science.

Visit the Futurum website to read more articles about how women are contributing to advancements in STEM and sign up for our newsletter at futurumcareers.com/sign-up.

Connecting with role models

Meet real-life engineers and scientists with the Big Bang at School Blueprint! Support students to no longer see STEM as an abstract concept and start seeing it as an exciting future. Get expert support from our team to integrate STEM Ambassadors, local employers and diverse role models into your STEM event. Every school that signs up receives tailored regional information, templates and resources to reach out to speakers and visitors to share their story. Students will hear first-hand about diversity in the STEM sector – from people who work in fashion, sport, cutting-edge tech or solving issues such as climate change. Challenge stereotypes and show students that whoever they are, there is a place for them in STEM.

Navigating career pathways

There’s lots of different routes into a STEM career. T Levels, traditional university degrees, apprenticeships, and vocational qualifications all lead to an exciting career in STEM. Running a STEM event supports your class to learn more about these routes in a fun and motivating way. By using resources from EUK Education, teachers can guide students through pathways, using role models along the way.

Meeting school targets

As well as inspiring students, the Big Bang at School Blueprint is a useful tool to meet school goals – setting you apart. It directly contributes to meeting targets such as new Provider Access Legislation and Gatsby Benchmarks. By bringing speakers into school, students will experience vital encounters with employers and experiences of workplaces.

The Big Bang at School Blueprint isn’t just about a single day of fun. It supports teachers to start student journeys into rewarding, inspiring careers.

Are you ready to inspire your students? Apply for the Big Bang at School Blueprint by 13 February.

This guest blog was written by Charlie Cantwell, Marketing and Communications Manager at EngineeringUK. The Big Bang at School Blueprint is hosted by EUK Education. Learn more about their programmes, resources and competitions: futurumcareers.com/inspiring-students-to-consider-careers-in-engineering

Not to blow our own trumpet, but we’re a great team! And celebrating together as a group of wonderful colleagues was a fantastic end to the year. As we begin 2026, we look back on all we achieved in 2025…

We published:

• 100 sets of educational articles and activity sheets
• Six issues of our magazine, featuring 13 change makers – individuals and organisations who are striving to make a difference in their communities and in the wider world
• A bonus EQUS issue, celebrating excellence in quantum research

We also:

• Created numerous additional educational resources including animations (which bring the research stories to life), careers PowerPoints (which highlight the researcher’s careers advice for students) and podcasts (in which researchers talk candidly about their personal experiences, share inspiring stories of their career journeys and provide practical advice for students)
• Translated articles and activity sheets into French, Spanish, Swedish, Portuguese and Swahili, allowing our educational resources to be accessed by students around the world and to be used as resources for teaching foreign languages

Our resources were used by students and teachers around the world:

• Over 28,000 downloads from our website
• Over 8,400 downloads from TES
• Over 74,000 views of our animations and podcasts on YouTube

We can’t wait to see what 2026 will bring!

Futurum articles summarise research projects being conducted around the world today, so it’s not surprising that they cover a huge range of topics – and prompt a huge range of discussion and learning opportunities for the students who read them. In addition, our activity sheets include ‘talking points’ (based on Bloom’s Taxonomy) to encourage the sharing of ideas, reflection and evaluation.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Each article page on the Futurum website features a comment box, allowing readers to submit observations, opinions and questions for the researchers to read.

We love the engagement our comment boxes demonstrate. From thanking researchers for a fascinating read (“Thank you, Dr Wekerle, for sharing such an insightful post!”) to requesting scientific information (“…how can the substances and sources be identified?”), readers’ comments show how stimulating our articles are and how interested and engaged Futurum readers are.

Our readers comment, query and consult with the researchers they meet through Futurum, and it’s a wonderful thing to see…

How do atmospheric radiation models help us understand climate change?

The CCAC Makerspace: helping students’ innovative ideas become reality

Boosting employment prospects for neurodiverse people through video game development

So, the next time you read a Futurum article, do be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and find the comment box. As Dr Clément Canonne, a theoretical computer scientist at The University of Sydney advises:

Keep asking questions, keep commenting!

How do fish hear?

How do immune cells ‘evolve’ to protect us?

How is AI improving smart biomedical devices?

Electrical engineering

Electrical engineers maintain the electrical systems that power modern society. “The impacts of electrical engineers are visible in every aspect of our modern lives, from access to electric power, modern medicine and the internet, to shuttling us to the farthest reaches of the universe,” says Dr Anamika Dubey. Growing up in India, Anamika experienced frequent power cuts, which inspired her to become an electrical engineer so she could improve power distribution systems.

Electronics engineering

Electronics engineers create the electronic devices that are so essential for everyday life. “Electronics engineers are needed in a wide range of areas,” says Dr Radu Sporea. “You could find yourself working in robotics, nanotechnology or sustainable energy generation, or contributing to efficient transportation, smart cities or personalised medicine.” Radu has invented a method to print flexible electronic circuits, with applications from wearable healthcare devices that can monitor a patient’s blood flow to ‘next generation paper’ that can be used to create digital augmented books.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers build physical structures, like bridges, roads and buildings. “Natural hazards engineering is a major interest of mine,” says Dr Alice Alipour, who is protecting tall buildings from hurricanes by designing facades that change shape to adapt to the wind. “By studying the impacts of natural hazards on the built environment, we can modify the design of buildings and structures to improve the resilience of communities exposed to these hazards.”

Software and computer engineering

Software and computer engineers write the code and computer programs that are essential for so many aspects of everyday life and society. This means career opportunities are limitless! “I have worked on software development for health, manufacturing, local government, education and games,” says Professor John Grundy, who ensures that apps are accessible for people with different needs. “You can get involved in lots of different disciplines, meet a wide variety of people and build software solutions that make a big difference in people’s lives.”

Biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineering involves applying engineering methods and technologies to solve healthcare challenges. “Developing smart biomedical microsystems starts with creativity and imagination,” says Professor Benoit Gosselin. “My background in electrical engineering gives me the tools and scientific understanding to convert ideas into real working devices. I love solving complex challenges with innovative solutions that can truly make a difference.” Benoit and his team are using AI to create smart prostheses and solutions for chronic pain.

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing and testing all aspects of an aircraft (aeronautical engineers) or spacecraft (astronautical engineers). “I was fascinated with how things worked when I was young,” says Dr Alessadnro Pontillo. “I was always inspecting toys’ circuits and gears and reusing electronics in other projects that got more complicated and advanced as I learnt more. Although my projects failed most of the time, I learnt a lot through this process, and it was a great training for my imagination!” Now, Alessandro is testing the performance of aircraft wings in a new wind tunnel.

Materials engineering

Materials engineers develop and test new materials, which have an endless range of applications. “Everything in life is made of a material,” says PhD student Dina Fouad, who is studying the materials used to make bone replacements. “Understanding materials is key to understanding the world. It is integrated in design, manufacturing, research, innovation, development – everything. Working in materials science and engineering means there’s the possibility of being the inventor of the next big thing!”

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers combine knowledge and techniques from across science and engineering to address environmental challenges. “Climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollution control and waste management, and sustainable resource management all demand technical expertise and innovative thinking,” says Professor Barbara Zeeb, who is using plants to clean contaminated lands. “Environmental engineering is an exciting area to pursue as you will get to make a real difference in the world. What could be more satisfying than restoring a contaminated site to one that is safe and aesthetically improved?”

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers manipulate chemical systems. “As a chemical engineer, a lot of time is spent on preparing the automated systems which run each set of experiments,” says Professor Alexei Lapkin, who is using AI to design new chemical products. “The raw materials have to be prepared, and all the sub-systems checked. Whilst the experiment is running, we may need to check that it is progressing smoothly. If it isn’t, we have to figure out why. Apart from running the experiments, there is the analysis of results.”

Bioengineering

Bioengineering involves manipulating biological systems. “Biological engineers are engineering life,” explains Professor Jeffrey Catchmark, who is engineering plant polymers to create sustainable alternatives to plastics. “In some cases, this means genetically engineering a microbe or plant and, in others, can mean engineering a food production process, a sustainable wastewater system, or a robotic limb that connects to a person’s brain. I believe biological engineers may have more impact on the technology that shapes humanity and our environment than any other discipline.”

Nanotechnology engineering

Nanotechnology engineers manipulate individual atoms and molecules to create new materials with useful nanoscale properties. “The field of nanotechnology is immense, with many diverse applications across scientific fields with broad societal impacts,” says Professor Jean-Pierre Leburton. “It is at the forefront of modern technology, and the field will undoubtedly continue to expand in its applications in the future.” Jean-Pierre is studying how nanopores can detect DNA and generate electricity.

Quantum engineering

Quantum engineering involves applying the theories of quantum mechanics to create new quantum technologies, such as quantum computers. “Quantum engineering blends physics, electronics and computer science to unlock the mysteries of the quantum world, where things behave in ways we don’t yet fully understand but offer incredible potential,” says PhD student Suyash Pati Tripathi, who is studying how the transistors in smartphones can be used as quantum dots. “Not only is quantum engineering intellectually stimulating, but it’s a field where curiosity and creativity are essential. As a quantum engineer, you’ll be part of a select group shaping the future of technology and innovation. As well as helping to solve global challenges, you will redefine what’s possible.”

Industrial engineering

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on optimising complex systems or processes. “While engineers make things, industrial engineers make things better,” says Dr Noreen Kamal, who is creating a registry to improve the quality of care for rural stroke victims. “We’re big picture thinkers, viewing everything as an interconnected system.”

Control engineering

Control engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of crucial components in larger engineering systems. “Control engineering is everywhere around us,” says Professor Iven Mareels. “For example, our mobile phones use just enough power to make a call, but as little as possible to avoid draining the battery.” Iven is developing control systems for agricultural water distribution systems.

Blast engineering

“I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy blowing things up!” says Professor Genevive Langon, a professor of blast and impact engineering, who studies the impacts of explosions with the aim of saving lives in warzones. “I enjoy the challenge of unpicking what happens during an explosive event, and how to use this information to prevent damage and injury in the real world.”

Humanitarian engineering

Dr Davis Chacon-Hurtado uses a human rights-based approach to engineering to improve sanitation and public transport in Peru. “This approach enhances the ability of engineers to enact socially and environmentally responsive technological solutions that advance human dignity,” he explains.

Diversity, equality and inclusivity in engineering

“I think that sometimes students can become intimidated by engineering,” says Markita Riley, Outreach and Student Programs Manager for the Society of Women Engineers. “I want them to know that it’s not as complex as they might originally think. I want students to know there are plenty of engineers out there who are just like them and they can carve out their own pathway to success in any industry.”

Engineering your future

As these engineers have shown, the possibilities in engineering are vast. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find an engineering career that can incorporate them. So, what could you achieve as an engineer?

Find more resources at futurumcareers.com/articles and sign up to receive our newsletter at futurumcareers.com/sign-up.

The approach Sophie and Toby are taking introduces key learning outcomes such as:

• Understanding biological and chemical processes (e.g., photosynthesis, oxidation)
• Experimenting with materials and environmental conditions
• Developing coding or electronics skills for real-world application
• Expressing ideas through process-based or installation art
• Practising patience, critical observation and creative thinking

“Combining art and science in the classroom builds interdisciplinary skills and encourages students to see the world through a more connected lens,” says Sophie.

“From design to programming, from learning about photosynthesis to the weather, projects like this show how STEM and SHAPE can really support each other,” says Toby.

The message

Sophie and Toby are keen to emphasise that there is no such thing as a ‘science mind’ or an ‘arty person’ – that being open to new ideas and change allows us to enjoy learning and to discover things we might never have expected of our ourselves. “Allow yourself to work with different people in different contexts,” advises Sophie. “And be comfortable not knowing what the outcomes of what you do will be!”

“Allow mistakes and never forget to play and learn,” adds Toby. “All the best things happen when you do!”

Keep up to date with the project: Instagram: tbsc_project_2025

Do you have a question for Sophie and Toby?
Write it in the comments box below and Sophie and Toby will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)