Warwick scheme gives students a glimpse of the future

Warwick, UK -- Students were given a chance to work on some of the latest advances in science during a day spent with research engineers at the Warwick Manufacturing Group, part of Warwick University.

The 16-18 year olds tried out a range of equipment and activities, including formula racing technology and robots that respond to colour instructions from a camera. They also entered virtual reality, journeying through a 5-metre sphere in whole-world environments such as buildings, cars and foreign terrain.

One of the research projects that intrigued students was the use of the latest degradable materials for mobile phone covers. Made of sugar beet into which sunflower seeds are inserted, they degrade into earth, allowing a crop to grow. This sustainable invention is just one of the exciting advances made possible following Warwick's recent acquisition of the Horticultural Research Institute.

The students from Evesham High School were enthusiastic about their unique opportunity to find out what’s next for industry.

“This was a chance to find out about new ideas and research equipment we would never see at school,” said 17-year-old Luke Rose. "The robots were great and we could not believe how fast the lasers worked!"

Their design and technology teacher, Claire Morgan, said: “The equipment and facilities here are amazing and to be able to show the students how their studies can convert into an exciting range of careers is excellent.”

“We want to help the next generation of engineers and scientists get an inside view of the huge range of innovative areas they could be working on - and invent the UK's next world-beating idea," said Mark Pickering, Warwick Manufacturing Group's director of development.

Warwick Manufacturing Group is now planning to extend the initiative to other schools in the UK.