Shining a Light on STEMM Careers at the Norwich Science Festival 2024

Posted on 11th January 2024

Norwich High School for Girls is excited to be supporting this year’s Norwich Science Festival.

Running from 17-24th February 2024 in venues across Norwich and Norfolk, the eighth Norwich Science Festival aims to help families make the most of the February half-term with a broad and exciting programme of shows, talks and workshops for everyone to enjoy. Presented by The Forum, Norwich Science Festival combines cutting-edge research with fantastic events; revealing the fascinating science of the world around us. 

“We are really pleased to start this partnership with the multi-award winning Norwich Science Festival. We are committed to investing in our community, and the Science Festival continues to do a fantastic job in inspiring the current and next generation into STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) careers and hobbies.” 

Alison Sefton, Head of Norwich High School for Girls

For the 2024 Festival, Norwich High School is supporting the delivery of a series of free STEMM focused careers talks aimed at those aged 12+. Details are:

  • TALK. STEMM Careers: So You Want to Work in Medicine?
    Sun 18 Feb, 4pm, The Auditorium, The Forum: Free
    When not on our screens, Dr Daniel Olaiya is working as a frontline doctor – as an anaesthetic and critical care doctor with the NHS. He also specialises in international medical evacuation, repatriating sick patients from all over the world. In this fascinating talk, Daniel will share his experiences in medicine, and offer up lots of tips and insights into life as a doctor and the importance of a healthy work/life balance. If you’re thinking about a career in medicine, this is one not to miss! Age 12+
  • TALK. STEMM Careers: So You Want to be an Engineer?
    Tue 20 Feb, 4pm, The Auditorium, The Forum: Free
    Mechanical engineer, TV presenter, podcaster and author Dr Shini Somara shares stories from her career in this insightful and engaging talk. Shini is committed to making science and tech more diverse and inclusive, and her transformative journey has ensured her place amongst the most high profile engineers working today. Age 12+
  • PANEL EVENT. STEMM Careers: So You Want to Work in Science?
    Tue 20 Feb, 7pm, The Refectory Bakery and Café, Norwich Cathedral: Free
    Hear from a panel of leading women working in the STEMM industries, as they share insight into their journeys and careers so far. Featuring scientists from Norfolk and beyond, this event is guaranteed to inspire – as well as offer practical tips for those who are thinking of a career in science. Age 12+

Find out more and book a free place here.

Danie Hadley, Marketing & Communications Manager at Norwich Science Festival added: “We are delighted to welcome Norwich High School for Girls into the Norwich Science Festival family this year and look forward to developing the partnership further in future years. With more than 200 events taking place over eight days, the Festival is a true celebration of science designed to help you delve deeper into the science subjects that spark your curiosity! It will include intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, cutting-edge research and lots of family fun. We are very grateful to all our sponsors who enable us to continue to deliver content promoting science for all.” 

“STEMM remains an industry lacking in diversity. Encouraging students to pursue a career in science and helping to promote gender equality in science can only be a good thing. We have a long history of students going on to pursue careers in STEMM which can be exciting, varied, rewarding and a force for positive change. The Norwich Science Festival does an amazing job bringing science to life during half term, and I would encourage students of any age to take a look at the programme and go along to soak up some scientific inspiration.”

Anne Farthing, Head of Science at Norwich High School for Girls

You can view the full listing of events and book via the Norwich Science Festival website here. Highlights this year include an inspirational talk from wildlife cameraman and master of the Strictly dancefloor, Hamza Yassin, and a family show from BAFTA award-winning YouTuber, Maddie Moate.