22/10/2026
Science has a story to tell. But whose stories are we telling?
New research from the University of Cambridge has found that Rosalind Franklin is the only female scientist named in GCSE and National 5 science exam specifications across the UK, out of 86 scientists in total.
That’s one woman in 86.
And yet, women have helped shape some of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in history. Their discoveries are part of the world we live in today, even when their names are missing from the lessons we learn.
The people young people learn about can shape what they believe is possible for themselves. Seeing who has come before them can be the start of imagining where they might go next.
As a STEM charity, we see the importance of giving young people the space to explore engineering, ask questions and discover what they’re capable of. Opportunities to meet people working in STEM and learn from their experiences can help bring those possibilities to life.
There are future engineers, scientists and innovators sitting in classrooms right now. By helping young people explore STEM and learn from the people shaping it today, we can help them see where their own interests might take them.
Interested in helping inspire the next generation of engineers? Whether you're interested in a funding partnership or employee volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected] to find out more.