Students gain insight into sciences of the future

The Optoelectronics Research Centre’s (ORC) Nanotechnologies group was delighted to host six-form students recently from King Edward VI School, Southampton to visit the Nanofabrication Centre and Photonics Cleanrooms at the University of Southampton.

The visit is one of a series of outreach events, organised by the Centre for Photonic Metamaterials, designed to widen awareness and participation of students in science and engineering.

Nikolay Zheludev, Director of the Metamaterials Centre, hosting the visit said, “Schools and the public in Southampton are generally not aware that the city is hosting a world-leading nanotechnology and photonics research establishment. We are happy to see a group of very inquisitive and bright students exploring the facilityâ€?

The government is placing an ever stronger emphasis on the role of science and technology in the UK economy and whilst industry has responded by creating an increasing number of science-related jobs at all levels, many companies report that they’re unable to fill vacancies due to skills shortages. The nation needs more young people to take A-level physics.

Dr Graham Purves, Acting Assistant Head, King Edward VI School commented, "The visit was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the advanced applications of what they are currently learning, and the types of world-leading facilities on our door step. The staff were not only very knowledgeable, they also engaged well with our students.�