Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS, Britain’s leading Physicist, visited Sheffield this week to deliver an inspiring speech to schoolchildren for the fifth annual North Star Science School event.

During his visit, organised by the Work-wise Foundation in partnership with the 360 Degree Society, Professor Cox shared his vision to make the UK the best place for science and engineering.

Whilst speaking to over 500 pupils and their teachers, Professor Cox said: “You don’t have to be a genius – science is for everyone. All you need is to be interested, and if you’re interested, then you can do it.”

Professor Cox met enthusiastic students throughout the day and even spoke about exploring the wonders of our solar system, galaxies, and the possibility of life beyond our planet and the future of science.

During the speech, he said: “Are we alone in the solar system? We don’t know. Are we alone in the Milky Way galaxy? We don’t know. That’s why we use science.”

Following the talk, pupils were able to engage in a number of practical workshops including testing the cooling rates of chocolates.

The North Star Science School is part of the Science Summer School National Initiative, co-founded in 2012 by Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE. Its mission is to establish the UK as a global leader in science and engineering, inspiring the next generation.

Peter Edwards, joint CEO of the Work-wise Foundation, said: “I’d like to thank Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson, whose vision and passion have been instrumental in making North Star Science School a reality. We are also incredibly grateful for the support from businesses and their willingness to share invaluable expertise with the next generation of innovators.”

Beverley Jones, a Teacher from Rawmarsh Community School, said: “The hands-on workshops and inspiring speakers have truly ignited students’ curiosity and opened their eyes to the vast opportunities in STEAM careers. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and excited about learning!” 

ESH Group, a sponsor of the North Star Science event, shared: “As a proud partner of Skills Street, it was an honour to sponsor this event and help students develop their very own sustainable products while stepping into the role of a sustainability designer, using real-life skills from the Skills Street construction project.”

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation, said: “We were very honoured to have Professor Cox join us here at Gulliver’s Valley – he really did set the tone for a remarkable and memorable day!”

Find out more about this year’s event here.