History

I’m an Engineer is based on the award-winning I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here!, which was developed after the success of I’m a Councillor, Get me out of Here!, a youth engagement event for local councils which Gallomanor run for Local Democracy Week. I’m a Councillor launched in 2003, and I’m a Scientist has been running since its 2008 pilot.

In 2010 and 2011 I’m a Scientist ran twice a year, in March and June. In these 2 years the event got 15,888 students talking with 270 scientists online, asking 19,702 questions and participating in 743 live chat sessions.

After I’m a Councillor was established in 2003 the project leader, Sophia Collins, realised that the format could also work extremely well for science. Science and local politics have some similarities in their difficulties in engaging young people, in that both can be seen as ‘boring’ and remote. Young people may also have negative stereotypes of those involved.

We have lots of evidence that I’m a Councillor addresses these problems and it seemed natural to try it.
Gallomanor conducted some preparatory research into the feasibility of the idea, using desk research and informal chats with science communicators, science teachers and spending a day in a school. The message from this research was overwhelmingly positive.

Gallomanor conducted some preparatory research into the feasibility of the idea, using desk research and informal chats with science communicators, science teachers and spending a day in a school. The message from this research was overwhelmingly positive.

After the success of I’m a Scientist, it seemed only natural to expand the event to I’m an Engineer. Science and engineering are closely linked and many engineers have taken part in I’m a Scientist. However, by running I’m an Engineer the team aim to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities in engineering, and bring engineering to life for students. I’m an Engineer brings engineering into lessons and supports engineering-related aspects of the Maths, D&T and Science curriculum.

I’m an Engineer will run for the first time from 12th – 23rd March 2012, during National Science and Engineering Week. The team are very grateful to have received a Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious grant to run I’m an Engineer, and can’t wait to see the first event in action!