MK Innovates: A STEM Festival

The University of Buckingham’s School of Computing and School of Psychology attended MK Innovates: A STEM Festival to showcase their research in AI, Cybersecurity and Psychology to local schools and businesses.

The Milton Keynes Innovates STEM festival is held once a year at the Centre:MK and aims to inspire students to join careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. With the festival officially opened by Mayor David Hopkins and High Sheriff Julia Upton MBE, the event included guests from The Open University, University of Bedfordshire, Toyota, Niftylift, RedBull Racing and many more local businesses.

The School of Computing showcased their research in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity through demonstrating the use of drones to follow a target and detect cracks within Facades. PhD students were able to raise awareness to the public about the danger of spam emails, hacking and contactless cards, helping them understand how to protect themselves. PhD student, Lionel Ndambeun, presented his research on a swarm of autonomous drones helping emergency services and governments follow and locate targets.

The School of Psychology showcased interactive activities used in the field to measure behaviour and raise public awareness of the subject. Dr Gill Hill set up an activity with younger students to encourage them to create their own “brain hats” whilst also learning about the neurological features and structure of the brain. Students were also able to gain an insight into famous psychologists in the field through their achievements and diversity.

The MK Innovates: A STEM Festival also gave The University of Buckingham’s schools and students the opportunity to present their research in AI, Cybersecurity and Psychology to the public. Informing the public about the courses on offer in STEM subjects while also interacting with them through activities.

Mr Mark Hacker, an Engineer at MSF Technologies, said “It’s good to get a hands-on experience at the STEM festival as there is a shortage of engineers”

Ms Caroline Hendry, a teaching assistant at Summerfield Primary School, said “The children are very interested in this and it shows them what’s outside the classroom”

Check out the upcoming School of Computing events and seminars.

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