British Science Week 

Essex Science Exhibition: 12 March

We’re inviting students in years 10-13 to join us on campus for a day packed with activities! Explore our departments in psychology, life sciences, engineering, sport science, and maths as they deliver exciting workshops, tasters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities inspired by this year’s theme: 'change and adapt'. Students can choose 2 tasters to attend, such as our psychology taster, 'How do our brains change and adapt to each other during social interaction?'

We welcome bookings from school groups, individual teachers, and individual student bookers. 

We are excited to offer a Taster Day Bursary for school groups attending this event!* School groups bringing 10 or more post-16 students can claim up to £150 towards their travel expenses.

Event Programme:

Choose from these exciting taster sessions:

• Brain-robot interfaces: Transforming Stroke Rehabilitation with Robotic Exoskeletons: Experience the future of robotics. See how EEG-based Brain-Robot Interface (BRI) technology is transforming mobility for stroke survivors with our innovative hand exoskeleton systems. We’ll showcase both 3D-printed hard exoskeletons and soft, pneumatic-controlled exoskeletons, highlighting the seamless connection between neuroscience and robotics. Discover how advanced AI algorithms decode brain signals into motor commands, enabling users to control devices with their thoughts. Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge technology and its incredible potential to improve lives.
• Life out of thin air: the microscopic world of bioaerosols: Discover our research into microbial air quality in schools with this hands-on session. Students will learn how to extract microbes from air samples in our state-of-the-art labs and even contribute to our ongoing research. Each class will receive a kit to collect their own classroom air samples, which can be sent back to the University of Essex for analysis.
• How do our brains change and adapt to each other during social interaction: Discover how our brains connect during social interactions in this interactive session. Using cutting-edge tools like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning, we’ll observe brain activity from multiple people in real-time and show how their brains become ‘synchronized’—literally ‘on the same wavelength.’ Learn how brain-to-brain synchrony relates to the quality of interactions and relationships, and explore the fascinating science behind human connection.
  
  

*Please note, this offer is not available in conjunction with the Schools Membership travel bursary.

Please do get in touch with us if you have any questions about the event in the meantime, we'd love to hear from you.

Python Preparation Programme

The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex is proud to present the Python Preparation Programme—an engaging, beginner-friendly introduction to coding, designed for students in Years 10 to 13. This programme links coding to real-world careers while offering a taste of university-level learning.

Why Choose the Python Preparation Programme?

• Beginner-Friendly: No prior coding experience is needed. 
• No Software Required: Run code directly in your web browser—no installations necessary.
• Learn at Your Own Pace: Flexible, self-paced tutorials fit around your schedule.
• Earn a Certificate: Receive a certificate of achievement upon completion to showcase your new skills.

How It Works

• Register with Open Essex: Sign up and create your account (don’t forget to save your username and password).
• Start Coding: Access the tutorials and work through them at your own pace, all within your web browser.

This activity is a perfect way to celebrate British Science Week by sparking curiosity and building valuable skills in coding. Ready to get started? Sign up now and discover the exciting possibilities of programming!

Careers in Biomedical Science: CPD Webinar for Teachers and Advisers

Tuesday 11 March, 16:00 – 17:00

Join us for a free CPD webinar designed for teachers and careers advisers. Led by Dr. Penny Beckerson from the University of Essex’s School of Life Sciences, this session will provide key insights to guide students towards careers in biomedical science.

What You’ll Learn:

• Diverse career paths in biomedical science, from research to public health.
• Qualifications and skills required for these roles.
• Emerging opportunities in this impactful and evolving field.
• Celebrate British Science Week by equipping yourself with the knowledge to inspire the next generation of healthcare innovators.

Book now to secure your place.

Online pre-recorded videos

While you’re waiting for further details from us, check out our wide range of pre-recorded lectures and taster talks from across our Science and Health faculty. You can access these at your convenience during British Science Week and share with others in your classrooms, in your student bulletins and with parents. 

Smashing stereotypes in STEM workforce

We are joining the Smashing Stereotypes campaign that was launched by British Science Association to celebrate that diversity as part of British Science Week. It aims to encourage STEM workers to share their stories about what they do in their day-to-day work – to highlight the diversity of the STEM workforce, the broad range of jobs and careers available, and that scientists are just like other people.

Dr Alba Garcia, Dr Aline Villavicencio, Professor Maria Fasli, Research Student Anca Sticlaru and Research Officer Mays Al-Naday explain why they are proud to be part of the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at Essex.

Meet Philip, our previous Head of Department for the School of Life Sciences, as he chats to Ellie about how he came to get in to science from a working class background in Bolton, how he deals with anxiety, and going down to his local for a pint.

Read about our innovative research

• Bootcamps or five-a-side could save your liver and your life
• Fans of ASMR videos are more sensitive to their surroundings
• New AI- powered app could boost smartphone batteries by 30 per cent
• Check4Cancer launches skin cancer AI project with Essex researchers
• Cow tracking
• Ocean Travellers