On 13 December 2024, our Year 12 and 13 students enjoyed an inspiring festive trip to Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford for a Christmas lecture on Engineering and Manufacturing. Hosted by the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society, the event provided a fascinating insight into the rapidly evolving world of technology and industry.

The lecture highlighted the intricate workings of supply chains and networks, revealing how precision and collaboration are essential in delivering goods and services. Students also explored cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future, including artificial intelligence and novel energy resources. These innovations promise to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, offering more efficient, sustainable, and creative ways to produce and distribute products.

The experience was both educational and engaging, sparking curiosity about STEM careers. Students left with a deeper understanding of how engineering and manufacturing intersect with global challenges such as sustainability and energy efficiency. This trip reminded us of the power of innovation to create a brighter, greener future – and perhaps inspired the next generation of engineers and inventors among us!

Original article by New Hall School. Text reproduced with kind permission.

The Big Bang Competition is open for entries! Inspire students to work together, problem solve and get creative with science, engineering and technology. Celebrate your students’ inner innovator with technology prizes, supported by Siemens.

Entries will close on 26 March at 5pm!

Find out more about The Competition and how to enter online.

Entries are also open for our TEXPO 2025 Competition – further details to follow soon!

Read more: Big Bang Competition 2025

You may have noticed that the look and feel of the website has changed slightly. This is because we are in the process of upgrading the software on which the website is based – this is a major upgrade involving several software components and a complete replacement of the visual template. We are therefore taking the opportunity to have a refresh, and to bring everything up-to-date in terms of accessibility, mobile device compatibility and so on.

Please bear with us while this work is completed. The main functions of the website should all be working, but there are still several behind-the-scenes upgrades to be made and various tweaks required to get everything fully back online. These will take place over the coming weeks.

If you have any problems using the website or find something not working, please do get in touch.

Your Life is Manufactured! Wednesday 11 December 2024, ARU Chelmsford

We are looking for volunteers who can help with the delivery of the annual CSES/ARU Christmas Lecture at ARU in Chelmsford, this year to be given by Prof Tim Minshall from the University of Cambridge.

The talk will be given to two large groups from multiple schools across Essex, morning and afternoon, each of up to around 400 audience members. Responsibilities would include stewarding the event, helping students find their seats etc, being on-hand to discuss STEM careers with students during the breaks, and of course there is a free CPD opportunity to hear the talk!

Further details about the talk can be found here.

If you would like to be involved or find out more, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Wednesday 25th September at Chelmsford City Racecourse, CSES members Chris Neale and Ed Bye promoted the Society and in general STEM career paths at the Braintree Careers Fair.

The event was for students in their GCSE year (age 15/16) to help them decide on options for college or 6th Form as well as provide information on future career choices and paths such as apprenticeship or university route.

Eight schools in the Braintree area attended for an hour throughout the day, with a total student count of around 1500!

Read more: CSES at the Braintree Careers Fair 2024

We are looking for members / volunteers who could help with the Chelmsford Science Festival Family Weekend on 26/27 October at ARU. The campus will be alive with fun, hands-on activities for all the family! Could you spare a few hours on Saturday or Sunday to help us out? Everything is prepared and a full briefing will be provided, you just need to turn up! Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you're interested.

It's time for the Chelmsford Science Festival again! This year we are running two activities and are looking for members / volunteers who could help us with them. Both events take place at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.

Game On! careers event for schools – Wednesday 15 October (pm)

This interactive half-day event will focus on careers in the game design industry. There will be talks, workshops and networking. It is aimed at students and youth group participants in school years 9-11 and has been designed with young people for young people. We are looking for volunteers who could help to supervise the sessions (no prior knowledge or experience required) and possibly participate in the group activities and game demos. If you would like to find out more, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Family Science Weekend – Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October

An ever-popular weekend attended by over 7000 people, the campus will be alive with fun, hands-on activities for all the family! Could you spare a few hours on Saturday or Sunday to help us out with the CSES (and partners) exhibit? Everything is prepared and a full briefing will be provided, you just need to turn up! Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you're interested.

We are delighted to announce our new season of events, including the Chelmsford Science Festival, social meet-ups and FREE evening lectures at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford!

We have searched near and far for speakers and once again we have a varied and fascinating mix of topics so there is bound to be something of interest for everyone. We would say, though, don't just come to the talks that appeal to you, often the most interesting topics are those you may think are "not my thing".

So, what's in store?

Read more: Welcome to CSES 2024-2025