This year the ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) runs from 9-18 March 2018.

The national week, organised by the British Science Association, provides a platform to inspire and support teachers, STEM professionals, science communicators and the general public and encourage participation in STEM events.

Said Corporate Communications manager John Klee: “We are delighted to sponsor British Science Week for the third time. It is a great opportunity for us to share our passion for science and technology by running a series of events at our sites across the country - including Atherstone, Bracknell, Clitheroe, Loughborough and Skelmersdale - to connect with local schools and colleges and encourage greater interest in STEM subjects among young people.

“This year we have a special focus on engineering to support the Government’s Year of Engineering campaign to help tackle the UK’s engineering skills shortage. As well as hosting events to inspire the next generation of engineers, we are sponsoring the Science and Engineering category of WeAreTheCity’s 2018 Rising Star awards, which shines a light on female role models and is now open for nominations.”

During British Science Week, 3M will be hosting a careers open evening for around 150 female Year 7/8 pupils and their parents at the Bracknell head office.

This will give the girls the chance to visit the Customer Innovation Centre and see a wide range of 3M products in action and enjoy a tour of 3M’s laboratories where state-of-the art equipment is used to create some of these innovations.

The guest speaker at the event will be Niri Arambepola, an engineer from WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff and a 2017 WeAreTheCity Rising Star winner in the Science and Engineering category.

Speaking about her award, Niri said: “I am generally a shy person and, for me, the main impact of winning a Rising Star award has been increasing my confidence at work.”

As part of the week, on 15 March 3M will unveil the UK results of the 3M State of Science Index survey. This has gathered global insights into perceptions of how science impacts the world and explores parents’ interest in encouraging their children to pursue science-related careers.

To support this, 3M has teamed up with the British Science Association to produce an e-booklet for parents, also to be launched on 15 March, sharing some top tips and ideas for inspiring science-based activities to enjoy with their children.

British Science Week is sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Guinness World Records in addition to 3M. Each year it aims to inspire millions of people to join in this nationwide grassroots campaign that aims to position science as a fundamental part of culture and society.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK