STEM Programme opened up to consultation

After being chosen by HEFCE to host the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme, a consultation process has begun which will allow you to have your say in how England paves the way for the future of STEM centred Higher Education.

Key issues are:

• Structuring the National Programme effectively so that it may deliver on a national scale


• The benefits the National Programme could offer to you and your organisation and how it may best achieve these


• Effective practices upon which it may build

Consultation will take place online in addition to regional consultations. These regional consultations will take place on:

9th February - Botanical Gardens, Birmingham
12th February - Hallam Conference Centre, London

17th February - Hewlett-Packard Labs, Bristol
19th February - University of Bradford

Visit the STEM Programme website for more information.

Birmingham is the chosen one

HEFCE has selected the University of Birmingham to host the national higher education programme for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The programme aims to increase the number of graduates with skills in these disciplines in order to fulfil employer needs and boost the UK economy.

The bid was coordinated by one of the largest integrated STEM teams in the UK, the University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The College comprises the Schools of Chemical Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry and Computer Science .

Read more information on the University of Birmingham website.

Where have all the technicians gone?

THES is reporting that we are on the brink of an 'age time bomb' that will see a dramatic shortage of laboratory technicians. According to their trade union, Amicus Unite the average technician is over 40 and almost a third are over 50 years of age.

A combination of, lack of opportunity for job development and low wages has seen many leave the academic field, favouring a move into industry or the National Health Service.

In a move towards a solution HEFCE has proferred £75,000 of start-up funding to be used in the formation of a professional/membership organisation (called The Heated project) with the remit of rectifying the skills gap between older experienced technicians and those new to the job. It is hoped that this project in conjunction with Universities continuing to take on trainees will generate a sustainable cohort of technicians.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=400000