STEM Careers Spotlighted in Oldham as ‘Great Horizons’ Celebrates Scientific Education

Professor Brian Cox Leads STEM Initiative to Inspire Young Talent in His Hometown

In recognition of the pressing need to equip young individuals with essential skills and career pathways in science and technology, a dynamic initiative titled ‘Great Horizons’ was recently launched in Oldham. Spearheaded by renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox, the programme aimed to celebrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education while highlighting its critical role in shaping future talent.

Returning to his hometown in July, Professor Cox led four carefully curated events designed to inspire and inform. These engagements placed particular emphasis on the influence of educators and industry partners in cultivating an environment where young people can thrive. Through constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts, the programme underscored the importance of nurturing local talent to meet future challenges.

On 1 July, Professor Cox joined over 250 science teachers and school leaders at a Cranmer Education Trust event to explore strategies for enhancing science education. The following day, he visited several primary schools to promote the University of Manchester’s flagship initiative, the Great Science Share for Schools—an interactive programme encouraging pupils to question, investigate, and communicate scientific ideas. Additionally, he met with local businesses and community leaders to strengthen support for STEM education and career development.

That evening, a lively Q&A session was held at Oldham Sixth Form College, where Professor Cox engaged secondary and college students in discussions on science and space. Concurrently, schools across Oldham welcomed visits from the Lord Mayor and professionals from industry and charitable organisations, further advancing community-wide science engagement. The University of Manchester played a vital role in coordinating the events, particularly the primary school outreach, marking the 10th anniversary of the Great Science Share for Schools. Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility and Director of SEERIH, reflected on the initiative as a powerful convergence of education and industry with the potential to yield a lasting impact. She emphasised the need to maintain momentum and foster continued opportunities for youth across the region.

Echoing this, Dave Benstead, Chairman of the Oldham Enterprise Trust and Oldham’s Economy Board, articulated the goal of building strong partnerships between STEM sectors, schools, and colleges. These connections, he noted, would expand students’ awareness of career options, enable more informed decision-making, and demonstrate the real-world problem-solving power of STEM professions. He further praised Professor Cox for igniting enthusiasm and curiosity among young attendees. The initiative was firmly supported by local stakeholders, including Oldham Council, Oldham Enterprise Trust, Oldham Athletic Football Club, Cranmer Education Trust, Pinnacle Learning Trust, and SEERIH at The University of Manchester.The‘Great Horizons’ successfully galvanised educational and industry collaboration to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders in Oldham.

Editor’s Note:

The recent 'Great Horizons' events in Oldham, led by Professor Brian Cox, showed a smart and forward-thinking way to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the community. By bringing together schools, industry experts, and universities, the programme not only celebrated the power of science and technology but also highlighted how important teachers are in inspiring the next generation. The events included teacher workshops, school visits, and Q&A sessions with students, all designed to spark curiosity and raise ambition, especially among young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The initiative was closely linked to the University of Manchester’s Great Science Share for Schools campaign, which encourages students to ask questions and explore science through hands-on learning. Support from local groups like Oldham Council, education trusts, and businesses showed how strong community partnerships can help create real career opportunities in STEM.

Skoobuzz asserts that by giving young people real-world experiences and showing them what science careers can look like, ‘Great Horizons’ has helped build a strong foundation for long-term learning and future job growth in the area.