Inspiring Future Generations and Enhancing Researcher Skills Through Water Engineering Outreach
Summer Challenge Week 2023 - CDT WIRe Impact Case Study:
Impact Summary
The CDT WIRe Summer Challenge Week 2023 delivered significant impact by:
- Enhancing communication and engagement skills of doctoral researchers.
- Inspiring school pupils from underrepresented backgrounds to consider STEM careers.
- Strengthening university-school partnerships and widening participation in engineering education.
Underpinning Research
The outreach activities were focused on exploring different aspects of water engineering and infrastructure resilience, including:
These areas are central to CDT WIRe’s core mission to address global water challenges through interdisciplinary research.
- Water distribution systems and flow dynamics.
- Sewer network management and blockage prevention.
- Hydropower generation and energy recovery.
These areas are central to CDT WIRe’s core mission to address global water challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Details of the Impact
Reach
- Fifty-three primary and secondary school pupils were engaged, from across two schools from relatively deprived areas around Sheffield.
- Four WIRe student teams developed and delivered interactive learning sessions for the students at The Diamond and ICAIR state-of-the-art facilities at Sheffield University
Significance
- Pupils gained firsthand experience with real-world engineering concepts, linking classroom science to practical applications.
- WIRe students developed transferable skills in science communication, teamwork, and public engagement - key competencies for future research leaders.
- Feedback from schools highlighted increased enthusiasm for STEM subjects and appreciation for interactive learning.
Evidence of the impact
- Thank-you cards and positive feedback from participating schools.
- WIRe students developed essential skills and improved confidence in outreach and communication.
- Activities aligned with school curriculum topics (energy, forces, sustainability), reinforcing learning outcomes.
- Some WIRe students are now considering STEM teaching careers.
Impact Pathways
Knowledge Transfer
Simplifying complex engineering concepts for younger audiences.
Capacity Building
Developing outreach models for future engagement.
Societal Benefit
Inspiring the next generation of engineers and promoting diversity in STEM.
Future Plans
- Scale up outreach activities to include more schools and age groups.
- Integrate additional outreach training into CDT WIRe’s doctoral programme.
- Attend National STEM Events such as New Scientist Live to showcase CDT WIRe research and interactive activities at large-scale public engagement events. This will provide opportunities to inspire thousands of school-age children and their families, raise awareness of water engineering challenges, and promote STEM careers on a national platform.
