30th anniversary science jamboree enthrals a record-breaking 1,500 young minds

Discovery Park opened its doors for the East Kent Science Jamboree, hosting a record-breaking 1,500 children from 51 Kent schools for a two-day science spectacular.

This year’s 30th anniversary celebration was the largest ever and marked a decade of the summit taking place at Sandwich science hub Discovery Park. Led by the STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University and supported by Pfizer, the inspirational event brought together local businesses and organisations, running workshops to deliver practical learning.

Young people launched rockets with the Royal Engineers Museum to learn about the forces behind propulsion and built their own eyeballs with Canterbury Christ Church University Health to understand the anatomy of sight. Experts from Resolian taught young pupils about the science of surfactants, blowing gigantic bubbles.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “As a thriving hub for science and innovation, Discovery Park is proud to bring together local industry and academia to inspire the next generation. From advances in medicine to vertical farming, hugely exciting work happens at our campus every day, and the jamboree is an important way to highlight the many career opportunities available in STEM.”

Schools descended on Sandwich from all over Kent, with groups travelling from as far as Medway. Most attendees were primary school age, but this year’s cohort also included secondary school children for the first time.

The newly elected Mayor of Sandwich, Councillor Emmet Csuka, also visited Discovery Park on the day of the jamboree, touring the facilities and meeting schoolchildren, teachers and industry.

Cllr Csuka said: “Sandwich’s Discovery Park is home to an impressive scientific community, which came together to capture young minds from all over Kent. Seeing so many engaged and excited students really did demonstrate how science, engineering, technology, and maths can be fun.” www.discovery-park.co.uk