The first winner of the Ray Barnes Prize for Impact through Innovation was announced at Ufi’s annual VocTech Showcase event. The prize was founded in honour of Ufi’s late-Chairman and aims to continue his legacy promoting innovation-led skills development. The criteria for the winner reflects his vision for Ufi and his commitment to using advanced technology to deliver tangible benefits for the UK workforce.
Bristol-based Interactive Scientific (iSci) emerged as the project that the Ufi trustees felt best exemplified Ray Barnes’ vision. While all Ufi’s 100 projects have worked hard to advance the standard of vocational learning in the UK, iSci’s Nano Simbox stood out for its work in combining scientific rigour and advanced technology to make complex science training accessible to scientists, academics and students.
Using a range of technologies, from tablets to VR headsets, the Nano Simbox allows its users to interact with the invisible scientific world of atoms and molecules. In a virtual world that replicates the exact laws of molecular physics, leaners can take apart and contort molecular structures, giving them a window into a key part of molecular research.
Rebecca Garrod-Waters, CEO of Ufi Charitable Trust, commented:
“Ray Barnes’ vision for vocational learning has been fundamental in defining Ufi’s core values. With this award we wanted to make sure that his legacy is maintained. iSci’s Nano Simbox offers an effective way for people to access the skills that will give them better opportunities in the science and research industries. But most of all, the iSci team represent the innovative and creative thinking that Ray was so passionate about.”
Ray Barnes fundamentally believed that giving the UK workforce more and better skills would greatly improve national productivity, which would improve the opportunities available to all. He saw digital technology as a key part in allowing people to access training and gain valuable new skills. Ray was determined that Ufi should focus on supporting projects that were looking at new ways of approaching learning designed to open up access and opportunity for many more people.
Becky Sage, CEO of Interactive Scientific, said:
“We are very grateful to have been awarded the Ray Barnes Prize, it means a lot to the whole iSci team. We have been with Ufi since the first VocTech call and it has been a really important journey for us. We share the same values and passion about how vocational technology can improve the way we learn. We really appreciate their support and guidance over the years.”
To learn more about Ufi Charitable Trust’s work and the Ray Barnes Award visit www.ufi.co.uk