Inspiring the next generation through STEM education

Background

University College London (UCL) has a rich history of championing STEM education and nurturing talent. Through MechSpace its Mechanical Engineering (MechEng) department, UCL became involved in the F1 in Schools initiative in 2019, driven by the vision of Professor Tim Baker, a former F1 engineer. 

This partnership has since evolved into a key pillar of UCL’s outreach efforts, promoting social mobility and providing students with both technical and soft skills, driven by Dr Nelia Jurado- Pontes , UCL F1iS Academy Lead since 2022.

Denford Equipment at UCL

The MechSpace facility at UCL is equipped with a range of Denford machinery, including:

• Lathes: Turn 370 and Turn 270 (x2)
• Milling Machines: VMC 1300
• Routers: Router 2600 (x2)
• Laser Cutters: Universal Laser Systems VLS3.50/60DT (x5)

Denford machines were chosen for their balance of safety and industry-level functionality. They allow students with little or no prior machining experience to engage confidently in engineering projects after appropriate training. 

Nelia Jurado-Pontes, Associate Professor & MechSpace, H&S and Outreach Lead, comments; “They serve as a safe, student-friendly introduction to machining while maintaining industrial-level precision and performance”.

UCL's Role in STEM Racing

UCL’s involvement in F1 in Schools is multifaceted:

• Educational Support: As an F1 in Schools Academy, UCL MechEng provides manufacturing resources to schools, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, free of charge. This ensures inclusivity and broad access to STEM opportunities. This is possible thanks to the great endeavour of the team of teaching technicians at MechSpace, and F1iS dedicated student mentors who put their expertise in design at the service of the schools.
• Scholarships: The MechEng department offers full-tuition scholarships to F1 in Schools World Championship winners and partial bursaries for UK National winners. This initiative has enabled talented students to pursue engineering degrees at UCL, promoting diversity and excellence in the field.
• Talent Pipeline: UCL has observed that F1 in Schools participants consistently exhibit outstanding technical, teamwork, and leadership skills, making them ideal candidates for further education and professional success. Up to date the recipients of the UCL F1iS Bursary have consistently taken leadership roles in UCL Racing teams ( i.e., Formula Student and Shell Eco-Marathon), and secured internships and later jobs in F1 professional teams.

The Impact on Students

Participation in F1 in Schools has sparked curiosity and critical thinking among students, encouraging them to explore STEM concepts through tangible, real-world applications. By optimising car designs and understanding aerodynamic principles, students develop practical engineering skills alongside teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Nelia adds: “The program also nurtures an inquisitive mindset, inspiring students to understand complex systems such as sustainable technologies and environmental impacts, which are crucial for future careers and personal development”.

Conclusion

UCL’s partnership with F1 in Schools and Denford exemplifies its commitment to advancing STEM education and promoting inclusivity. 

By combining high-quality machinery with hands-on learning experiences, UCL empowers students to excel academically, professionally, and personally. 

The initiative strengthens UCL’s impact on local and global communities and inspires the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.