More than 1,600 local students from 49 schools across east Kent have taken part in the region’s largest ever science jamboree.

The annual two-day event, held at Discovery Park in Sandwich, transformed the science and business park into a hub of exploration and hands-on learning, bringing together young people, businesses and universities to learn about the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Organised by STEM Hub at Canterbury Christ Church University, the jamboree delivers a range of exciting practical scientific experiments and activities for the students to experience how STEM plays a part in everyday life; aiming to inspire them to consider further study and careers in STEM.

Students stepped into the role of scientists, detectives and engineers as they explored the packed programme bringing STEM subjects to life.

They investigated data science, analysed fingerprints and used forensics to catch a culprit, and discovered the inner workings of the human body and the building blocks of anatomy with academics from Canterbury Christ Church University and Kent and Medway Medical School.

Industry experts from Discovery Park based Resolian demonstrated the science behind surface tension, using the principles of physics and chemistry to help students create giant bubbles. Meanwhile, Asymchem helped them separate colours in ink and use chromatography techniques to solve the mystery of a stolen sandwich, and Pfizer ran three workshops, including looking at the science behind optical illusions making the students question if what they were seeing was real or if their eyes were playing tricks on them.

Elsewhere, students took part in moth masterclasses with the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, tested their engineering skills building bridges with the Royal Engineers Museum, and learned how to build and create a filter system to provide clean water with Southern Water.

Each day also featured a spectacular nitrogen science show, where everyday objects were frozen, clouds were created and everyday materials shattered to explain the dramatic effects temperature can have on matter.

Teachers from across Kent remarked at how engaging all the activities were, with their students enjoying the practical elements and were interested in ‘seeing school science come to life’. One primary teacher from Deal commented it was a “great opportunity for pupils to use thinking skills, ask questions of ‘real people’ working in STEM. It was good to be able to watch our future scientists!”.

Pam Lithgow, Director of Specialist Resources and Technical Services at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “Once again we are delighted to work in partnership with Discovery Park and see so many young people attend, and enjoy the east Kent Science Jamboree.

“The event aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators by giving them first-hand experience of the creativity, problem-solving and the real-world impact of STEM subjects. The jamboree continues to play a vital role in nurturing our future talent across the region, encouraging them to dream big, think freely and see how they can turn their ideas into reality.”

Chris Broom, Head of Business Development, Discovery Park, added: "Discovery Park exists to push the boundaries of science and innovation, and the Science Jamboree is a powerful reminder of why that mission matters. Now in our eleventh year hosting, it brings together an exceptional scientific community to show their work and open young people's eyes to a career in science. It comes at a moment when our ambitions for STEM education in the region have never been greater. These are the future researchers, founders and problem-solvers who will shape this industry, and we're proud to play a role in sparking that ambition early."

Workshops were delivered by a mix of Discovery Park tenants and organisations from across Kent and beyond, including: Pfizer, Asymchem, Cummins, Resolian, Viatris, Unilabs York Bioanalytical Solutions, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent and Medway Medical School, CodeKids Canterbury, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, The Royal Engineers Museum, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, Southern Water and the National Physical Laboratory.

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Notes to editors 

 About Canterbury Christ Church University   

Canterbury Christ Church University is a major contributor to regional skills and innovation in Kent and Medway, with a strong track record in education, research and student experience. The University’s £65m STEM facilities and £12m creative arts building are helping to generate highly skilled graduates for the region, supporting the regional economy and growth in science, healthcare, and the creative and digital industries. 

The University: 

• is 2^nd in the UK for graduates in employment *
• is ranked 5^th in the UK for wider student experience**
• is 6^th in the Uk for satisfaction with teaching quality**
• has a silver award recipient in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for delivering high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students
• delivers research that has been assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent with more than 60% of the University’s research and almost 85% of its impact was judged to be in the top two categories of world-leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*) (REF 2021) 
•  in the top tier of English universities for public and community engagement and research partnerships. It is also now ranked 12th for continuing professional development (CPD) provision (#KEF5). 

*Out of 111 UK Higher Education Institutions with 3,000 or more graduates, HESA: Graduate Outcomes 2026

 **The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026  

About Discovery Park

Discovery Park is one of the UK’s leading science and innovation campuses, providing a dynamic base for life science companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to global corporations. Located in Sandwich, Kent, with excellent connectivity to London and Europe, Discovery Park offers an ideal environment for businesses to start, scale and succeed.

With more than 180 companies on site including Pfizer, Asymchem, Cummins, ZeroAvia, GrowUp Farms, Viatris, Concept Life Sciences, Resolian, Psyros Diagnostics and York Bio, Discovery Park is home to a thriving ecosystem of innovators. The 220-acre site offers cutting-edge laboratories, flexible office and manufacturing space, and a highly supportive infrastructure tailored to the needs of science and technology businesses.

As part of its commitment to nurturing innovation, Discovery Park is home to CoLab, a shared laboratory facility developed in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, offering flexible bench space and technical support to early-stage companies.

Discover more: discovery-park.co.uk

E: [email protected], T: 01304 614060.