The Blair Project secures grant from Royal Society of Chemistry

News
09/03/2022

Manchester-based social enterprise, The Blair Project, has secured a £10,000 grant from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Outreach Fund to broaden engagement with school students and the general public in chemical sciences.


The Blair Project will be using the grant as part of a project to transform a Sprinter van into a fully-functioning STEM truck. Once complete the STEM truck will be used to conduct schools and public outreach activities aimed at raising awareness of the commercial science underpinning electric vehicles and low carbon initiatives to tackle climate change.


A team of student volunteers from the University of Manchester’s School of Physical Sciences and Engineering will be converting the van, with the support of experienced electrical and mechanical engineers from 3D printer specialists, 3D 360.


Meanwhile with guidance from RSC members and project lead Blair Henry, the student volunteers will also be creating short-form video content for social media. The aim of this content will be to demonstrate the relevance of chemistry in everyday life, such as batteries for mobile phones, computers and devices, and inspiring viewers to find out more about STEM careers.


Once complete, the STEM truck will visit schools across Greater Manchester, focusing on those in the most under-represented and marginalised communities, where schools with less funding may not otherwise be able to access these opportunities. Through engaging with pupils and their parents, the truck will bring chemistry to life through relevant, fun and engaging workshops and demonstrations.


Nile Henry, founder and CEO of The Blair Project, said:

“Chemical sciences sit at the heart of many technological transformations that are helping to tackle climate change. Despite this many young people don’t know about the opportunities in this field, or how to get involved. With our STEM truck, we’ll be able to explain this in easily understandable and engaging ways, curating fun practical experiments that everyone can try at home and in doing so, inspire young people to find out more.

“We are very excited to work with the RSC on this project, supporting young people, and educating the people around them, to increase their understanding and awareness of chemical sciences and the rich variety of career options available.”


Professor Saiful Islam, from the University of Oxford, was recently involved in achieving a Guinness World Records™ title, supported by members of the Blair Project team. He said:

“As a trustee of the Royal Society of Chemistry, it is brilliant to see our outreach funding going to such a fantastic initiative.

“I have seen first-hand how inspirational the Blair Project’s work can be to young people and these are exactly the sort of sustainability focused activities we need to encourage the next generation of scientists to face up to the climate emergency.”