3M and Brunel University Inspire Next‑Gen STEM Talent

3M hosted a major “Inspire” event for around 70 students in collaboration with Brunel University at its Bracknell site to nurture the next generation of STEM innovators.

The initiative marks the second in a series of “Inspire” events, following an earlier session held at Brunel University in June.

Organisers specifically targeted schools from communities around West London, aiming to reach students aged 13–16, including those often underrepresented in enrichment and outreach programmes.

Over the course of the day, students took part in hands-on STEM design workshops and learned about different career pathways directly from 3M staff.

Employees shared their personal career journeys, illustrating how diverse routes can lead to meaningful roles in design, research, and development.

A key figure in the event was Ben Watson, Director of 3M’s R&D Corporate Research Laboratories and a visiting professor at Brunel’s Design School. Watson emphasised the importance of bridging industry and education: “By exposing these students to real‑world STEM careers, we aim to ignite passion and confidence that will carry into their futures,” he said.

Watson added that the initiative is intended to challenge assumptions about academic achievement, stressing that “their potential is limitless, regardless of their current academic standing.”

The success of the event hinged on close cooperation between Brunel University’s staff and 3M’s team of UK STEM ambassadors.

For 3M, this partnership reinforces its commitment to community outreach and long-term investment in STEM education. By dismantling barriers to opportunity, they say, they are helping build a more inclusive pipeline into design and innovation careers.

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