UK STEM Roadshow marks 20 Years and secures funding to continue until 2030

A national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) roadshow for schools in the United Kingdom has secured £3.5 million in funding to continue for another five years. The program, which has been running since 2005, will now operate until at least 2030.

The roadshow was launched by BAE Systems and has engaged approximately 1.3 million students over the past two decades. The Royal Air Force (RAF) joined as a partner in 2008, followed by the Royal Navy in 2015. It is designed to encourage students aged 10 to 13 to explore STEM subjects through interactive experiences demonstrating real-world applications.

2025 roadshow and AI integration

The 2025 roadshow launched at St Mary’s College in Hull, England, and will visit over 500 schools across the UK. This year’s theme incorporates Artificial Intelligence, allowing around 130,000 students to create songs and music videos using AI tools, supported by a robot dog named Lexi.

The long-term commitment to the roadshow has been confirmed by BAE Systems, the RAF, and the Royal Navy, ensuring the program will continue through at least 2030.

Tania Gandamihardja, Group Human Resources Director at BAE Systems, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to developing young talent:

“As one of the UK’s leading advanced engineering and technology companies, we have a long history of nurturing young talent and helping to educate young people on the value of studying STEM subjects.

“I’m proud of the part our schools’ roadshows have played in that over the last 20 years and delighted that we have secured this new funding to take us up to a quarter of a century of inspiring young minds in this way.”

Two decades of STEM engagement

Since its launch, the roadshow has visited more than 5,000 schools, covering topics such as electricity, space, magnetism, energy, physics, biomimicry, and mathematics.

Maria Stead, Head of School at St Mary’s College in Hull, said the event provides students with valuable exposure to STEM fields:

“We are very excited to be able to host this STEM roadshow at St Mary’s and to work with such an innovative and important local and national company.

“As we move into an ever-greater technological future, we want our students to be at the forefront of all such developments and therefore being part of a day like today is an amazing opportunity. We know our youngsters will take a lot from the experience and that this will help to shape their future paths.”

Support from the Armed Forces

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force continue to support the initiative as part of their commitment to STEM education in the UK.

Commander Chris Pinder, from the Royal Navy STEM Programme, said the initiative plays a key role in attracting future engineers:

“The Royal Navy relies on STEM expertise to design, build, deploy, and maintain our world-class ships, submarines, and aircraft around the world.

“Galvanizing the engineers and scientists of the future is essential and the additional funding to maintain this excellent program is hugely welcome.”

Wing Commander Russ Barnes, from the Royal Air Force Youth STEM Programme, highlighted the importance of STEM skills in military operations:

“STEM subjects are at the heart of everything we do in the Royal Air Force and wider UK Armed Forces. Without skilled and passionate individuals, our day-to-day work would be impossible.

“The schools roadshows will continue to play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators, aviators, and engineers.”