Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project is expected to be allocated in Shanghai

Nikki Collins Managing Director and Mikky Ho China Chairman of the British International Education Association (BIEA) were invited to attend the Sino-British Youth STEM Exchange Symposium and its signing ceremony in Shanghai on March the 22nd. Wunan Xiao the Executive Vice-Chairman of Asia-Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF) along with Xiaozong Zhang, Director of the Liaison Department of China International Cultural Exchange Centre (CICEC) and Guohua Yuan the President and Zhong Jin the Secretary of the Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co.

Under the Aegis of the China International Youth STEM Centre, the Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project consists of the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition, a STEM International Youth Base, the International Youth Leadership Club and the International STEM Youth Research Centre. The aim of the project is to discover and cultivate young talent in science and technology of a high quality at an international level. It also aims to increase the level of teenager’s STEM education by incubating STEM projects so as to pool co-operation and discovery via the International Youth Exchange platform.

President Guohua of the Lingang Group gave a welcoming address. It is the Spring Equinox, and the education of teenagers is similarly a story of spring. He spoke of China’s desire to build an innovative society and country. He stated that it is the mission of every enterprise to cultivate talented young people. The key to the development of the country and its enterprises is the development of its talents. Britain is very experienced in training future talent. With the participation of BIEA many innovative ideas and elements will be injected into the Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project. All the institutions present were mainstays in the field of cultural and educational exchanges between China and the UK. He hoped all would speak freely and make suggestions for the promotion of Sino-UK exchanges in the field of science and the education of young people and contribute to the enhancement of friendship between China and the UK.

Secretary Zhong of Lingang Group stated that Shanghai is one of the leading international metropolitan areas in China and is one of the main windows enabling the rest of world to understand China and partake in its economy. As the only large-scale state-owned enterprise under Shanghai Guozi Wei, Lingang Group has built many high-quality industrial parks and sites, whether high-tech or otherwise, over the last ten years. As a builder concerned with urban renewal, Lingang group is upgrading its projects under the wave of reform in the new era of China and is actively introducing new industrial enterprises involving culture, science and technology.

Nikki Managing Director of BIEA watches the Sand Table of the Lingang Industrial Zone in the Lingang Exhibition Hall

Chairman Wunan of the APECF pointed out that it was precisely the attention and enthusiasm of all the distinguished guests, representing science and technological innovation in education, present that had led to the proposal of Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project. This project focuses on STEM and will be of great benefit to the future. Technological education is both a simple and complex subject. BIEA will provide with professional British-style STEM resources and the Lingang Group will provide us with the supporting space to house STEM projects. Fostering the technological and scientific education of adolescents is a complex and long project.

Nikki thanked all the participants for their recognition and support. As a non-profit educational organisation promoting British-style international education to countries outside the UK this was greatly appreciated. The BIEA came into being in the wake of Britain's proposed change in its relationship with Europe in 2016. Since its establishment it has been working to build a level of direct dialogue and exchange within the global educational system. Taiwan aims to broaden its international horizons in the educational field and upgrade its current practices. BIEA's abundant British educational resources and overseas development model are supported by official bodies such as the UK Department of International Trade and British Council. BIEA’s main business involves early years education, STEM education and focusing on the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition. The BIEA STEM League (S-League), a key project in STEM education, has attracted much attention from institutions and enterprises within education in China. It is the aim of BIEA's STEM education that young students and educators in China benefit from Britain's advanced and mature STEM education system.

Nikki also mentioned that BIEA held its first STEM Conference in London at the beginning of this year and that it had attracted worldwide attention. At the same time more than 32 countries and regions had registered for the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition, including several Chinese school teams, in just two months. The competition is the best interpretation and illustration of STEM's educational concept in Britain. It is not only intended to cultivate student’s technological innovation skills, but also to connect young people from all over the world in using technology to provide humane and positive solutions to worldwide problems.

The participants agreed that the Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project is an international and large-scale science and technology effort that gathers high-quality resources from the cultural, educational and scientific communities of China and Britain. Its creation will attract global attention and become an important part of China, Britain’s and the world's youth talent development plans.

CICEC, APECF, the Lingang Group and BIEA signed a memorandum of cooperation on the joint construction of the Sino-British STEM Youth Exchange Project at the conclusion of the symposium.

The BIEA delegates took photos with Chairman Wunan and Secretary Zhong in Sany Group

Under the invitation of Secretary Zhong of the Lingang Group, the participants of the symposium visited China's science and technology project at the Lingang Youth Science and Technology Exhibition Base, Sany Group and the Shanghai Yidasheng Science and Trade Co., Ltd.


The UK Department of International Trade (DIT) fully supports implementation of BIEA's projects in China

On 21st March Nikki Collins, Managing Director of the British International Education Association (BIEA), Mikky Ho, Greater China Chairman and Alex Zhang, Director of International Development, met with Xiaojing Wang, Head of Early Years and English Language and Clair Tan, Senior Trade and Investment Officer of the UK Department of International Trade (DIT) to discuss how to support the development of British education in China especially the development of BIEA projects in that field.

DIT is an UK governmental body that assists British companies to flourish in the global economy and, likewise, supporting overseas companies in investing in the UK economy. The DIT has been actively promoting the development of UK and Chinese companies, especially in the field of education, since setting up offices in the British Consulate in China. At the beginning of 2018 British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to China reached a 550 million pound British-Chinese educational cooperation project led by the British Department of International Trade, which involved exchanges in vocational education, in early years education and educational technology.

As a not-for-profit educational organisation that promotes British-style international education to countries outside the UK, BIEA has steadily grown from its inception in 2016. Since its establishment it has been working to build a platform for educational dialogue and exchange within the global education system. The main objective is in supporting educational practitioners and investors in implementing international education systems. The main operational focus of BIEA at present is early years education, furthering STEM education internationally and promoting the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.

Xiaojing expressed a high appreciation of BIEA's British educational platform and its overseas development model. She also briefed BIEA on the experience and policy directions of the DIT in promoting exchanges and co-operation between China and the UK in the field of education. She also pointed out that China is placing a high emphasis on the development of early years and STEM education.

Nikki outlined the Early Years League (E-League) project launched by BIEA in China last year is enthusiastically welcomed by early years education institutions and practitioners in China. BIEA EYFS Co-operative E-League Nurseries have now been put into operation in China. Many early years educators have visited the UK for educational experience and instruction. Nikki also outlined BIEA’s work in the STEM field. Along with the STEM League (S-League), which has attracted the attention of many stakeholders in the field of education in China, the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition has been greeted with enthusiasm from schools, teachers, students and their parents in China. Since the start of the competition in January this year, more than 32 countries and regions have registered to take part. Schools in many cities in China have also organised teams to participate.

Xiaojing mentioned that Geoff Gladding, Head of Education at the DIT UK head office, attended the BIEA STEM Conference and BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition Launch Ceremony in London in January this year and took part in the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony. He not only supported BIEA's STEM Competition but also attached great importance to BIEA's overseas efforts in the development of British education. The UK DIT will show support to BIEA in its future implementation and development of British early years and STEM projects in China. DIT will help in spreading the BIEA STEM Competition to its international partners in educational development.

At the end of the meeting Xiaojing stressed that BIEA has abundant British educational resources which is appreciated by the Chinese market. It is hoped that BIEA will seize this opportunity to accelerate the implementation of educational projects in China. The UK DIT will maintain close contact with BIEA and fully supports BIEA in its aims.


BIEA in talks with the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) for British-Chinese educational cooperation

The British International Education Association (BIEA), a not-for-profit educational organisation promoting a British style education internationally, has steadily grown since its inception in the UK 2016. Since then it has been working to build a platform for dialogue and exchange within global education. The main objective has been to support educational practitioners and investors with implementing international education systems. The prime focus of BIEA at present is in early years education and in furthering STEM education and promoting the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.

Nikki Collins and Mikky Ho, BIEA Managing Director and Greater China Chairman, visited the CEAIE on the 21st of March. They were warmly greeted by Xuesong Shen, deputy director of CEAIE, and along with Lidong Zhou, Senior Project Manager of CIAIE international co-operation and others, held comprehensive discussions on the development and co-operation between the UK and China in the field of education.

Xuesong explained the function of the CEAIE and its organisation especially regarding educational co-operation and exchanges with China and the rest of the world. CEAIE has been actively promoting these exchanges in the development of education, science and technology internationally via its educational exchange mechanism which was established in 1981. Many departments within the organisation have carried out research and co-operation and cultural exchanges internationally, much with the UK.

Nikki outlined the Early Years League (E-League) project launched in November last year by BIEA in China has been greeted enthusiastically by early years education institutions and practitioners. The BIEA EYFS Co-operative Nurseries of E-League have now been put into operation in China. Many early years educators have been sent to the UK for educational idea exchange and learning. Nikki also explained BIEA’s work in the STEM field. Alongside the BIEA STEM League (S-League), which has attracted the attention of many stakeholders in the field of education in China, the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition has also received a warm response from schools, teachers, students and parents. Since the start of the competition in January this year, more than 32 countries and regions have registered to take part. Schools in many cities in China have organised teams to participate in the competition.

Xuesong expressed strong interest in the E-League project and said that China's early years education is at an innovative stage. The establishment of the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework can be used for reference in China's early years education development. The BIEA E-League accreditation and evaluation system are of great reference value. She then gave an account of the annual teacher-training activities organised by the CEAIE.
Nikki said that the BIEA Vocational Education Training activities and the overseas edition of the British Continuing Professional Development (CPD) manual, have a similar development model to the teacher-training activities of the CEAIE. At present, BIEA has organised many teacher training activities in China with EYFS at the core of the teaching model. The vocational training system in the UK is very mature. The principals and teachers in the UK have to accumulate certain hours of vocational training every year to ensure they stay at their professional level. BIEA CPD training overseas edition, which has drawn the essence of the British education vocational training and takes account of the overseas education market environment, is a British training system designed to have high integration and applicability in the international market.

The two parties agreed that, although there are differences in education between China and the UK, the intention and fundamentals of education are very similar in their aims and the purpose of teacher vocational training. The two sides reached a consensus on the promotion of educational exchanges, cooperation and development between China and the UK. Taking this opportunity we hope to open the door of co-operation while deepening our friendship and create a better future for China and the UK in the field of international education.


An inspirational visit to Soong Ching Ling Youth Science Technology Cultural Exchange Centre

As part of its mission in China, BIEA was invited to the Soong Ching Ling Foundation in Beijing, a pioneering charity with a focus on children’s welfare and development in China. BIEA President Gareth Bullock and his team were given a warm welcome by the Foundation’s Chairman Qun Yu and he was treated to a tour of the impressive centre. The centre is flooded with natural light and open spaces and there are four themes in the centre: “Engage”, “Enlighten”, “Create” and “Inspire” These are to support the cultural development of young children who come to the centre for educational training and a recreational experience.

In the subsequent meeting with Chairman Yu, the two sides had discussions on strengthening the friendship and the promoting of educational exchanges between China and the UK. Gareth expressed great admiration for the founder, Ms. Soong Ching Ling, as a woman of great determination, as an advocate for democracy and a champion of education. He also praised the extensive charitable work the foundation has been doing in supporting the future generations in China.

Gareth and Chairman Yu discussed BIEA’s International STEM Youth Innovation Competition. Originating in the UK, the competition is designed to cultivate the technological skill of the young people and to encourage them to consider these concerning global issues as well as providing a platform for them to connect with each other.

Chairman Yu said that the Foundation also held a science competition for teenagers and children in China involving many local primary and secondary schools. He welcomed co-operation between the two organisations and invited the BIEA STEM Competition to be held in China. Both competitions are complimentary to each other and offer greater opportunities for young people on an international level.

Chairman Yu said he would be delighted to come to London in July this year to watch the final of BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition and to cheer on the China team.

The two sides also discussed the current situation and development of early years education in the UK and China. Gareth said that the Early Years Foundation System (EYFS) is one of the world’s leading frameworks relating to early years education. The BIEA Early Years League (E-League) project, with EYFS at its core, has been welcomed by Chinese early years practitioners since its launch in China last year. A large number of practitioners and nurseries have benefited from the expertise of the BIEA E-League team in helping them to understand the EYFS framework and supporting them in its implementation.

Chairman Yu also commented that early years education in China is at a critical stage of development and innovation. The Soong Ching Ling Foundation is a pioneer in early years education in China and is actively developing resources and concepts from the international arena to support Chinese early years educational provision.

Lastly, the two sides agreed that education is one of the most important areas in which China and the UK can build a long-lasting relationship. With a common aim of providing the best opportunities for future generations, this meeting could be the beginning of in-depth cooperation.

In attendance:
Chen Aimin, Director of International Cooperation and Exchange.
Wang Jiajia, Director of the International Department, Director of Soong Ching Ling Youth Science, Technology and Culture Exchange Centre.
Guo Xinbao, Vice Director of Soong Ching Ling Youth Science, Technology and Culture Exchange Centre.
Wang Bei, Director of the Foundation and Chairwoman of Aijia Group.
Nikki Collins, BIEA Board Secretary General and CEO.
Alex Zhang, BIEA International Development Director.


Enthusiasm for BIEA International Youth STEM Centre Project exceeds expectation

On 19th March, Gareth Bullock, President of the British International Education Association (BIEA) and his colleagues were warmly received by Mr Honghai Xu, Secretary-General of the China International Cultural Exchange Centre (CICEC) and Mr Wunan Xiao, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF).

The focus of the meeting was in facilitating cultural exchanges as well as the development of international education between the UK and China.

The host, the CICEC, has been established for 35 years and is the leading non-profit organisation in China engaged in forging international cultural links. With exchange visits from the British and Chinese political leaders in the recent years, exchanges and co-operation in the field of education between the two countries is anticipated to reach a new mutually beneficial era.

Mr Wunan Xiao, Vice Chairman of the APECF, gave an outline of the aims of the Foundation. The Foundation was set up by a combination of politicians, scholars and activists allied with international enterprises and research institutes in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation prides itself in building inter-governmental co-operation in that region. Chairman Xiao stated that the Foundation would be glad to contribute positively to the cultural and educational exchanges between the UK and China.

As a non-profit educational organisation that promotes British-style international education to countries outside the UK. BIEA has, since its establishment, been working continuously to build a platform for direct dialogue and exchanges within the international educational system. The main operational interests of the Association are early years and STEM education as well as the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition at present.

Gareth spoke of the unexpected popularity of BIEA’s Early Years League (E-League) programme in China. Launched in late November 2018, the E- League project has been welcomed with enthusiasm by early years providers in China. At the beginning of this year, BIEA held its first STEM Conference in London, which had a very positive reception, at the same time as the BIEA 2019 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition was launched. In just two months, schools from more than 32 countries and regions, representing all continents, signed up to take part. BIEA STEM League (S-League) has also attracted the attention of institutions, enterprises and teachers in China. It is the aim of BIEA’s STEM Centre that young Chinese students and their teachers should benefit from the comprehensive UK STEM educational system.

Secretary-General Xu believes that the British STEM system had started earlier than in China and will provide a reference and learning experience for China’s education institutions in the future. As China and the UK are keen to strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the field of STEM education, there is an opportunity for mutual benefits and friendship between the two countries in an enhancement of the desire of China’s young people to be involved in technological innovation.

Chairman Xiao mentioned that there is an international trend to introduce advanced science, technological and innovation concepts to young people. This trend enhances and encourages those concepts in Chinese youth. He mentioned that APECF has extensive experience in coordinating such international projects.

After the meeting the three parties signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation at the International Youth Science and Technology Centre in China.

The project of the International Youth Science Innovation Centre consists of the BIEA International Youth STEM Innovation Competition and an International STEM Youth Innovation Platform, the purpose of which is discovering, training and the recruitment of world-class innovative young talents in science and technology. The project is committed to improving young people’s STEM education at an international level and so cultivating, discovering and incubating STEM projects and talents.

Making full use of BIEA’s comprehensive STEM educational resources and projects the International Youth Science and Technology Creation Centre is aiming to become an important part of China’s and the world’s youth talent developmental plans.

After the signing of the contract, CICEC and BIEA exchanged gifts signalling the start of a new collaborative relationship.


Let more students benefit from quality British educational resources, BIEA projects in China get approval from the British Council.

The STEM Conference and the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition launch, both held in London by BIEA in January 2019, were received with much enthusiasm by the industry. Just prior to this, in November 2018, the BIEA Early Years League (E-League) project was launched in China and it has generated a great deal of interest from the pre-school educational sector in that country. BIEA UK Head Office has received many requests from Chinese schools and institutions for collaboration with them in STEM education and early years education. In response to this demand, the BIEA President, Gareth Bullock, led a team to visit China on 18th March 2019 to consult with relevant parties. He and the team met leaders from the China International Cultural Exchange Centre, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, China Association for International Educational Exchange and other leading cultural and educational institutions during the five-day trip. Topics for discussion focused on international educational exchanges between the UK and China; particularly concerning STEM and Early Years education (EYFS). Further meetings will take place with representatives from the British Council, the DIT and other British organisations represented in China to explore ways to support cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries and also to promote BIEA projects in China. Nikki Collins, managing director of BIEA, Mikky Ho, BIEA Chairman in China, and Alex Zhang, the Director of International Development are all part of the executive team.

On 18th March, Gareth and the team met with the British Council in Beijing to exchange views on the development of British education in China. Jazreel Goh, British Council Director of Education and Sports in China and Medy Wang, the Director of Schools, also attended the meeting. The British Council fully supports the two business platforms of the BIEA, EYFS and STEM, in China. Jazreel appraised the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition and invited BIEA to participate in future activities of the British Council and in its future events in China.

As an international institution providing educational opportunities and promoting cultural exchanges, the British Council’s remit covers arts, culture and education as well as English language and social development. Its clients include cultural enterprises, educational institutions, student bodies and other groups. Gareth, President of BIEA, was also on the board of British Council in the UK before stepping down in November last year. During his six-year term of office (2012-2018), Gareth, with his experience in the financial field, ensured the stable development of the British Council’s business objectives. He has also advised on the effective formulation of the Association’s business strategy. Gareth took up the presidency of the British International Association for Education (BIEA) once he had left the British Council. Today’s visit is an opportunity to renew an old friendship.

As a non-profit educational organisation promoting British-style international education to countries outside the UK, the British International Education Association has steadily grown from its inception in 2016. Since its establishment it has been working hard to build a platform for direct dialogue, exchange and learning within the global education system. The main objective is to support educational practitioners, operators and investors in implementing international education systems. The main operational focus of BIEA is early years education, and in furthering both STEM education and the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.

The Early Years League of the BIEA was launched towards the end of last year. The response has been overwhelming as we have received applications from many early years educators. A number of them have come, or plan to come, to the UK to extend their professional studies. Gareth also introduced the first STEM Conference held by BIEA in London at the beginning of this year, which was supported by the British Council, the DIT and many other STEM organisations. Since its official launch, more than 200 schools from 32 countries and regions have signed up to the competition including a number of schools in China. BIEA has plans to support STEM education in China so that Chinese students and teachers can benefit from the STEM education system developed in the UK.

In commenting on the current education market in China, Jazreel supported BIEA’s model of developing British-style International Education in China and shared with Gareth and the team her experience at British Council in promoting educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China. Jazreel believes that the British Council and BIEA share a common goal of developing quality British education overseas. Jazreel invited BIEA to participate in the future activities and events with the British Council in China.

With a common vision, BIEA and the British Council believe that with mutual support and a joint effort, we could enable more overseas educators, business institutions, students and parents to benefit from high-quality educational resources available in the UK.


Scientific and technological innovation will provide new ways of coexistence of humans and wildlife

Global warming, disappearing forests, marine pollution, loss of biodiversity...we are facing serious problems of environmental collapse.  What can humans do? The BIEA 2019 International Youth Competition partner and British wildlife conservation charity, the Born Free Foundation, has promoted the use of technology of in animal protection work, helping to facilitate a peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.

This view was outlined by the Born Free Foundation CEO, Howard Jones, and Dr Liz Greengrass in ‘Environmental Challenges Facing Science and Technology And How To Play A Role In The Protection Of Wild Animals, ’ their talk that was delivered at the inaugural BIEA STEM Conference in January 2019.

Their talk emphasised their excitement of being involved in animal protection. The Born Free Foundation described how humans and animals can co-exist through the use of aeronautical platforms, communication and tracking technology.  These and other similar technologies are used in their programs to assist their animal protection strategies and conservation work. Drones are being used to track and record wild animal movements; communication, hi-tech security and other technological tools are also being advanced by the Born Free Foundation teams.

Dr. Liz Greengrass, The Born Free Foundation’s Head of Conservation, said that “Science and technology has a huge potential for helping in the support of endangered wildlife. With the involvement of the BIEA STEM Competition for teenagers, and its theme of using drone technology for wildlife conservation, young people will be encouraged and enthused to participate in conservation.”

The entry period for the BIEA STEM International Youth Competition is approaching its closure. International STEM workers, experts in wildlife conservation, international schools, students and parents have all been enthusiastically getting involved.

If you want to be involved in technological innovation, wildlife protection and be part of creating an exciting future for our planet, contact your teacher to submit a registration application. You can find the entry details on the 2019 BIEA STEM International Youth Competition official website.

In promoting human and wildlife coexistence, the BIEA hopes to engage the involvement of young people in the long-term support and sustainability of the environment. If we can do this by encouraging young people to do this and engage with new technologies at the same time, then all the better.

BIEA 2019 International Youth Branch Competition official website: www.bieacompetition.org.uk

The Born Free Foundation Profile

The Born Free Foundation was founded 35 years ago and is one of the world's leading wildlife conservation charities. They have always been committed to advocating compassionate protection in order to improve the survival of endangered wild species and their ecosystems. We hope that this work with the BIEA will also have a positive impact for wildlife.


The UK Department of International Trade shows support to BIEA

Chris Waterman, Early Years Chairman of the British International Educational Association (BIEA), along with Yang Feng, BIEA Marketing Director, visited the UK Department of International Trade office in Guangzhou on the 27th February. There they held discussions with Sharon Qu, Schools and New Markets Education and Skills Secretary, and Florence Huang, Secretary for Education and Skills Trade Investment. The discussions centred on how to support the BIEA projects in China and satisfying the demand for British education in the international Chinese education market along with the promotion of the development of British and Chinese co-operation in this field.

Chris outlined the model of BIEA's educational programme in China and internationally – integrating UK education resources and setting up dedicated teams to meet the various needs of the overseas education market. Chris hoped that these internationally designed programmes would benefit the children, their families and the teachers carrying them out.

Yang gave a detailed description of the current BIEA projects being implemented in China. Currently, the BIEA Early Years Education Alliance (E-League) has a partnership nursery in China that is adopting the EYFS (Early Years Foundation System). To compliment this, BIEA has set up an EYFS teacher training programme. EYFS Training is one of BIEA's CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training programme modules for UK overseas education practitioners. It is also a popular international early years professional training facility that is welcomed by BIEA E-League members. These programmes that focus on British early years education practices are popular in the Chinese market. Yang explained that in terms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education that BIEA had held an international STEM Youth Innovation Competition opening and a STEM Conference in London in January this year which successfully attracted the attention of many schools, students and parents from China.

Sharon expressed their appreciation of BIEA’s efforts to promote British education internationally and that the DIT would give the BIEA support and promote exchanges between the UK and China and the expansion of BIEA in China.

Chris thanked the support given by the DIT at the STEM conference in London. Particularly to Geoff Gladding and Sarah Chidley.


Innovative thinking alongside environmental awareness: how BIEA are encouraging young people in STEM to solve real world problems.

At the BIEA STEM Conference in January 2019, Melissa Schiele, Researcher from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), gave a presentation on the topic ‘Development and assessment of a fixed-wing amphibious UAV for marine megafauna surveys and enforcement’. Melissa pointed out that through modifications of fixed-wing drones, investigation of marine mega-animals could be facilitated, although there remains a lot of room for efficiency improvement in investigating the UK’s marine protected areas due to the complex environment of its surrounding seas.

Melissa also described how her research team’s fixed-wing UAV had been modified. The modified drone is fully waterproof (marine) and includes two cameras.  It is be controlled by both a laptop and a RC controller. In order to meet the requirements of surveying marine animals, which can involve extended flying periods, it has a long flight duration, allowing it to collect valuable information about marine animals. For example, it allows researchers to identify the species, and numbers of them, that frequent an area; it also allowed researcher to monitor illegal fishing activities from some distance away.

Melissa’s example inspired us in how application of STEM knowledge and innovation can help solve ecological problems through the novel use of technology. In recent years, educators have sought to encourage enthusiasm about STEM to the younger generations.  Seeing how STEM is actually applied in this way in real world is an opportunity to cultivate innovative thinking in conjunction with environmental awareness. This fits alongside the aims of the BIEA 2019 International STEM Innovation Competition Contest with our theme ‘Fighting Extinction via Drone Technology;’ a competition already attracting participating teams of enthusiastic young people from around the world.