Four hundred people from communities near SERC campuses recently attended crime scene investigation (CSI)-themed workshops. Activities were held at various college and school locations. Attendees included unemployed people, those returning to education and exploring future career pathways, people with SEND seeking to build confidence in science, individuals interested in following a science path, and pupils from local schools.
The events were hosted by SERC and funded by the James Kane Foundation to promote science through a creative approach. They were delivered by forensic professionals with, collectively, more than 100 years of experience in the field.
The workshops offered CSI activities, providing participants with hands-on forensic science experience as they solved a crime in an immersive setting. Additional sessions focused on critical thinking, communication, and investigative skills within a criminal investigation scenario.
The workshops had a significant impact in promoting STEM. Post-workshop surveys showed that 98% of respondents enjoyed the sessions, 93% reported increased understanding of science in real-life scenarios, 76% felt more confident in science, and 72% expressed greater interest in considering a career in STEM.
The second stage of the programme will see immersive cybercrime workshops delivered across the south eastern area in June, further promoting STEM to under-represented communities.
Principal Lecturer in the School of Engineering and Science, Jonathan Cash, commented,
“The activities were fun and stimulating—not only demonstrating the use of science in real-world applications, but also inviting critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. They are a great example of how creative, practical, immersive learning experiences can encourage students, schools and the community to engage with STEM education.”
In the picture: (L-R) SERC Level 3 Applied Science students Drew Monaghan (18, from Bangor) and Lucas Blair-Sowerby (aged 20 and also from Bangor) with Stephen Horgan (CSI Adventures) and SERC principal lecturer Jonathan Cash and lecturer Susan Gillen as they prepare to open the CSI investigation workshop at SERC Bangor Campus.
