The Research and Development Society

Organisations

Organisations that work to encourage young people's interest in R&D and innovation include:

• Enterprise UK, organisers of the annual Enterprise Week, which takes place in November each year. It’s a national celebration of enterprise where thousands of activities are run by organisations across the UK to encourage people to unlock their enterprising talent, especially young people aged 14 – 30.
• STEMNET's STEM Ambassadors scheme, which links people working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields with schools. STEM Ambassadors are inspiring role models to young people, switching their minds to the excitement and potential of STEM subjects and careers. Each Ambassador is registered, trained and CRB checked, and is included on a local register that can be searched by teachers. Activities and participation are agreed with the teacher or youth leader on an individual basis.
• NESTA Planet Science - resources include Mini Innovators activities for infants
• The Smallpeice Trust, an independent charity providing exciting programmes to promote engineering careers to young people through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sessions in schools, and residential courses.
• EDT is an independent registered charity that runs four schemes to inspire and motivate young people aged 12-21 to choose a career in science, engineering and technology: Go4SET – for 12-14yr old pupils, Engineering Education Scheme (England) for 16-17yr old students, Headstart for 16-17yr old students and The Year in Industry for Pre-University and Undergraduate students.
• Young Engineers offers activities and after-school clubs for young people, and aims to stimulate interest, appreciation and engagement in the practical application of engineering and technology by young people in primary and secondary education.

Suggestions are welcome for additions to this list - please supply details to the R&D Society office by email below.