Dr Delphine Byford, DE&S Technical Discipline Lead for Science, has joined forces with our Women in Engineering network to once again bring a host of inspirational speakers together for our annual British Science Week (8-17 March) celebrations.

United by this year’s theme of ‘time’ and now in its 30th year, the annual salute to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) will see guest speakers impart their knowledge to thousands of colleagues during a programme of events taking place across four days at DE&S from 11-14 March.

While speakers may reflect on the concept of time by discussing history and advancements that have been made in our industry, leadership and inclusion are key topics leading the way this year.

Some of our speakers and their topics this year include:

• Luke Reynolds, Head of Policy – People and Planet at the Royal Society, will be sharing knowledge from his current role which includes running a policy team leading on topics ranging from human health, to nature, biodiversity and wider environment issues.
• Vimbai Fedrick, the Submarine Delivery Agency’s Race Champion and the Submarine Delivery Enterprise Collaboration Programme’s Engineering Standards and Quality Assurance Lead, and Ebi Cole, Chief of Staff Remotely Piloted Air Systems, will talk around inclusive behaviours in the workplace.
• Dr Ruth Pettifer, DST Scientific Adviser to the Strategic Hub in MOD Head Office, will discuss her career highlights and experience as a science communicator in a Defence context.
• Harriet Rushton, DE&S Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) Wreck Environmental Manager, will talk about her career to date and Alexandra Wright will discuss her graduate placement with the team, learning about the history of the Royal Navy and the unique work the team does.

Dr Byford said:

“Having organised British Science Week for a number of years now I am certain that 2024 will be a series of talks to remember with speakers from across a variety of disciplines geared up to share their learnings with the DE&S community.

“I am delighted to have been able to work together with colleagues from our Women in Engineering network to make this year’s programme of events truly inspiring for all in attendance and look forward to what is sure to be an exciting and educational week that demonstrates just how important science, technology, engineering and maths are to the work we all deliver.”

The national week looks to break down stereotypes surrounding science, technology, engineering and maths which are all important pieces of the DE&S jigsaw puzzle.

From colleagues working in every area, whether that is finance or IT or those on the front line, STEM is a thread that intertwines us, and this year’s guest speakers aim to bring that to life through the experiences they will share.