TeenTech Events
On Wednesday 16th November 2017, Challenger Society participated in a high profile outreach event run by Teentech www.teentech.com - a charitable, education organisation led by Maggie Philbin (from BBC's Tomorrow's World and Bang goes the Theory fame) - at the University of Surrey's Sports Park in Guildford.The TeenTech event at Surrey Sports Park enabled more than 200 Year 8 students (13 year-olds, about to make GCSE options) along with ~100 sixth formers to meet with over 30 companies and organisations. The students participated in interactive activities at each exhibit and could tap into expertise from many different professions, putting the subjects they study at school into the context of exciting careers. The students also had the chance to hear inspirational talks and attend a careers Q&A panel.
Representing the Challenger Society, and the wider context of careers in Marine Science and Technology, were Challenger Society council members Louisa Watts (Education & Outreach) and Terry Sloane (Industry Liaison & Technology), helped by Challenger member and researcher Helen Smith (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton). The Challenger team took part in 15 minute back-to-back sessions, meeting students and teachers in groups of 5-6, so allowing good engagement.
The team organised a mixed session, starting with timed challenges naming oceans and seas using an inflatable globe, followed by a quickfire fact-finding mission on what the students thought about the oceans. This led onto an animated discussion around current cutting-edge marine science and technology, including hydrothermal vent exploration, (thanks to fantastic imagery from the University of Southampton), and life aboard a Research Ship.
The students had the chance to ask questions and find out about the day-to-day activities of marine scientists, engineers and also the roles aboard the Research Ships such as the Merchant Navy, (including the all-important chef!) This segued into the critical role of engineering and technology in marine science, and the skills involved. Cutting edge autonomous instruments were demonstrated and the students enjoyed handling a “Deep Trekker” Remotely Operated Vehicle (thanks to Planet Ocean Ltd), learning how to use the hand set and visualisation goggles to try and retrieve samples including manganese nodules and shells.

Latest News
The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change event
The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change
Date: 29 November 2023, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Speaker: Rupert Howes, Joanna Post, Dr John Siddorn, Dr Siva Thambisetty, Professor Elizabeth Robinson, Dr Darian McBain
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Theatre, Cheng Kin Ku Building, LSE Campus and online
Many conversations about sustainability and climate-change focus on activities on land – the green part of our planet. This misses a vital part of the puzzle, the role that our oceans play.
Ocean and Coastal Futures - Bursary
As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, Ocean and Coastal Futures is launching its first Coastal Futures Bursary in partnership with Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. This opportunity is open for young people aged 18 to 30 years old, who are currently underrepresented in the marine and coastal sector and face financial barriers to attending. Individuals do not have to be working or studying in the sector currently but must reside in the UK.
CLASS Modelling Workshop 2024
The CLASS Programme is hosting a Modelling Workshop in early 2024. This is aimed at UK participants only. Event details and criteria to sign up are available here.