Meet the pioneering young scientists from Hull impressing global research experts

Young science enthusiasts from Hull have been given a unique chance to share their innovative ideas with the leaders of some of the world's most renowned brands. Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene and nutrition, hosted a Festival of Science as part of its second worldwide The Science Inside Symposium.

The three-day symposium saw 250 Reckitt scientists, partners and leaders from around the world gather both in person and online at the company's Hull Campus.

During the Festival of Science, four teams of year 12 engineering students from Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in Hull city centre presented their sustainability ideas for water, heating, transport and waste management to Reckitt's Global Research and Development (R&D) Leadership Team, led by Chief R&D Officer Dr Angela Naef.

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In a separate session facilitated through Reckitt's partnership with Hull and East Yorkshire Children's University, year five pupils from Rokeby Park Primary School in west Hull were invited to share their ideas on creating a new Reckitt product or modifying an existing one, focusing on target customers, packaging and sustainability.

These young minds also impressed the global Reckitt R&D team during the Festival of Science segment of the event, which celebrated the power of science and aimed to inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) leaders.

The triumphant teams from Ron Dearing UTC, as chosen by Reckitt experts, will be rewarded with one-to-one sessions with the company's sustainability specialists in the coming weeks. These prizes are for Best Innovation and Best Presentation.

Pupils from Rokeby Park Primary School will receive medals and awards for Best Innovation, Best Packaging Design and Best Presentation. Additionally, a donation from Reckitt will provide new science equipment for the school.

Dr Naef said: "I'm always blown away by the creativity and boundless, unexpected ideas the students share with us. It's this little gift of great imagination.

"I fundamentally believe the responsibility of professionals, like us, is to be role models to the next generation. This is the opportunity and responsibility we have to continue to build the future of scientists, engineers and experts.

"I hope all of the children went home and shared their day with their families and loved ones and were able to shine in that moment because of the experience they had. But I also know we went home with those stories and memories too. It's amazing to feel inspired and excited by this event and their ideas."

Dr Bruce Charlesworth, Chief Medical Officer and Hull Campus Lead at Reckitt, said: "I love the students' unfiltered enthusiasm. We often put too much realism and practicality into things, looking at what we can't do. They have totally focused on the art of the possible.

"Days like this give them genuine presenting experience and I hope it inspires them because that's what it's all about. They will need these skills in the workplace in their future careers."

The event also highlighted careers in science, technology and engineering, while fostering students' enthusiasm to potentially pursue those paths.

Ideas from Ron Dearing UTC students varied from the benefits of rainwater harvesting and plastic bottle recycling options, to reducing carbon emissions through heating modifications and electric transport.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal - Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, of which Reckitt is a Founding Partner, said: "This opportunity from Reckitt is so important. Every Ron Dearing student who chooses engineering as a subject studies sustainability and it's in the hands of every individual to become more sustainable. The more engineers we can produce for industry who have this mindset, the better.

"We're incredibly proud of our students' ideas and efforts, and also grateful to everyone at Reckitt. It's an excellent opportunity for them on a global scale."

The innovative ideas from the pupils of Rokeby Park Primary School ranged from creating 'Lemsip on the go', which could potentially reduce the need to dissolve Lemsip powdered sachets in hot water, to crafting a limited edition scented Dettol product.

Mark Stockdale BEM, Learning Experience Lead at the Children’s University, said: “It can be difficult for children of this age to know what happens in industry and this is an amazing opportunity to ignite that flame and inspire them for the future.

“They could work at Reckitt one day and experiences like this can show them they can achieve whatever they want.”