Inspiring the Next Generation of

Scientists, Engineers, and Innovators

Brooklands Innovation Academy

Brooklands Innovation Academy is a flagship STEM outreach event delivered by Brooklands Museum as part of the national Science Summer School programme. Co-founded by Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, the programme aims to make the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering.

Each year, the Academy brings together hundreds of secondary school students with leading scientists, engineers, apprentices, and business professionals to spark curiosity and open doors to STEM careers.

A Historic Setting for Future Innovation

Set at the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, Brooklands Museum offers the perfect backdrop for young people to learn about pushing boundaries and breaking new ground. Students experience the spirit of innovation that powered early aviation and motorsport legends, and are encouraged to bring that same mindset to the challenges of tomorrow.

Hands-On Learning Through Workshops

Across the site, students participated in more than 25 interactive STEM workshops, run by industry-leading organisations. Activities included:

  • Wiring a Plane

  • Launch That Rocket!

  • Pit Stop Challenge

  • Wind Farm Design Challenge

  • Lego Robots

  • Understanding Solar Panels

  • Plastic Pollution Challenge

Inspirational Speakers

Throughout the day, students heard from some of the UK’s most inspiring figures in STEM, including:

  • Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS

    Physicist, broadcaster and Science Summer School co-founder

  • Simon Singh

    Author and science communicator

  • Kwame Bekoe

    Sustainable aviation leader at Zero Petroleum

  • Preeti Roy

    Global innovator at Haleon

  • Cambridge University Eco Racing Society

    Student engineers building solar-powered cars for the World Solar Challenge

Making a Difference

Brooklands Innovation Academy is more than just a one-day event. It's part of a broader mission to:

  • Raise STEM aspirations

  • Connect students with future career pathways

  • Break down barriers to opportunity, especially in underrepresented communities

  • Support schools through innovative partnerships, such as Learning Without Borders

A Nationally Recognised Programme

The programme won a Museums + Heritage Award for its innovative impact, beating finalists including Historic Royal Palaces and the National Maritime Museum. Brooklands Innovation Academy is a proud part of this success story.