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Techniquest celebrates the future STEM workforce with budding local scientists

Over 70 young scientists are celebrating finishing an “inspiring” placement led by discovery centre Techniquest which aims to motivate the STEM leaders of tomorrow.

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Talented STEM students came together at the Cardiff Bay science centre this week to mark the end of their Nuffield Research Placements, managed by Techniquest in Wales.

The Nuffield Research Placement Programme provide over 1,000 students in the UK with the chance to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians as they take their next steps towards their careers.

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One young person who took part in the initiative and was awarded at the special event, was Merthyr Tydfil student, Neve Forbes.

Neve Forbes and Emily McDonald, with Nobel Prize winner Professor Sir Martin Evans and Dr Valerie Sparkes

The 18-year-old undertook an intensive four-week placement at Cardiff University with health science expert Dr Valerie Sparkes, where she investigated the consequences of sitting and posture on overall health.

The aspiring neuroscientist, who called her recent placement “inspiring”, said:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr Valerie Sparkes, and to Nuffield and Techniquest for helping me on my journey to neuroscience.

“The placement was incredibly beneficial, helping to improve my independent research skills and providing me with first-hand insight on local STEM career opportunities. It was an inspiring experience and has strengthened my ambitions to work in the scientific field.”

Head of Education at Techniquest, Andrea Meyrick, said it was a privilege to be able to support so many talented young scientists on their journey to a rewarding career in STEM.

She said: “Inspiring the next generation of great minds and scientists is at the heart of our mission as an educational charity, and we’re always identifying new ways to reach young people. These placements are a great opportunity for those with scientific talent to get a taste of STEM careers.

“We’re delighted to have worked alongside Nuffield on this mission, and the students have all demonstrated incredible skill and dedication.

“We’re thrilled to have celebrated with so many bright young minds as they were presented with their certificates, and we wish them all the best on their next steps.”