Aberdeen Science Centre and TechFest support and deliver STEM education across the North-East of Scotland and beyond. In 2023 we launched the first ever STEM Youth Board in Scotland. STEM Youth Board members have been successfully working with both organisations to ensure STEM activities, programmes and events have appropriate input from one of our more significant demographics making delivery more relevant and peer led.
Registration to join the STEM Youth Board for 2024- 2025 is now OPEN!
Submit your application here. Application deadline: 31st May.
The STEM Youth Board
Participants on the STEM Youth Board
The Person Specification for participating in the STEM Youth Board
Lengh of service
A member may remain on the STEM Youth Board for a maximum of 2 years.
Potential stakeholders
Whilst the STEM Youth Board will be a shared project that is run and delivered by Aberdeen Science Centre and TechFest, there will be a number of potential stakeholders who could be invited by the Youth Board to support the initiative. The following is neither an exhaustive list nor will all be invited to participate:
If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Looking for other opportunities, don’t forget to check out ABZ works here.
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Overview
This privacy policy describes how TechFest protects and makes use of the information you give the company by using this website or by means of any other interaction with TechFest.
If you are asked to provide information to TechFest, it will only be used in the ways described in this privacy policy.
This policy is updated from time to time. The latest version is published will always take precedence.
This privacy policy was updated on: March 2024
Introduction
We gather and use certain information about individuals in order to provide products and services and to enable certain functions and services provided by TechFest.
We also collect information to better understand how people use our services and products and to present timely, relevant information to them.
What data we gather
We may collect the following information:
How we use this data
Collecting this data helps us understand what you are looking for from the company, enabling us to deliver improved products and services.
Specifically, we may use data:
Many of TechFest’s events are sponsored by third party organisations, therefor some information may be shared with those organisations, unless individual consent has been refused.
Controlling information about you
When you sign up for our TechFest Festival Mailing, you will the option of ticking one of the three tick boxes allowing you to:
You can change your mind at any time easily, by contacting us by email or post (see “Contact us” section and the end of this document).
We will never lease, distribute or sell your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission, or the law requires us to.
Any personal information we hold about you is stored and processed under our data protection policy, in line with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
You have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you, as well as the right to ask us to correct or remove any of this information. Please contact us by email or post (see “Contact us” section and the end of this document).
Security
We will always hold your information securely.
To prevent unauthorised disclosure or access to your information, we have implemented strong physical and electronic security safeguards.
We also follow stringent procedures to ensure we work with all personal data in line with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Links from our website
Our website may contain links to other websites.
Please note that we have no control of websites outside the TechFest domain. If you provide information to a website to which we link, we are not responsible for its protection and privacy.
Contact us
Send us an email to:
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TechFest
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Board of Directors
Chair Person:
Brenda Wyllie
Brenda started in the Oil Industry 33 year ago as an apprentice welder, whilst welding is no longer a core skill, this humble start to her working career helped establish a good level of personal resilience along with a solid foundation of people skills. Over her career, Brenda has worked in the service sector, private sector and is now in the public sector working for the Oil & Gas Authority. These varied work environments, both home and abroad, have helped develop a well-rounded approach to understand how value is created in the Energy sector. Brenda has been a strong advocate of TechFest over the years including supporting a visit to Shetland and Edinburgh to take Stem in Pipeline to a wider Scottish audience.
Trustees:
Sarah Chew- Managing Director, TechFest
Sarah Chew, managing director at TechFest is passionate about developing young people and the wider community, particularly within the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). During her years at TechFest, Sarah has worked to encourage young audiences and ensure all young people reach a positive destination and especially highlight the benefits of a career in these sectors.
With a BSc in psychology and a MSc in Marketing, Sarah has a wide range of knowledge across the business sector and how to engage with various audiences, promoting education in a fun and enjoyable way. Prior to TechFest and her time at the University of Aberdeen, Sarah was seconded to the Scottish Government while working with North East Charity Live Wire Productions, a role that provided great insight to the overall picture of government campaigns across Scotland.
Sarah sits on the North East of Scotland Developing Young Workforce Board and ACVO – the third sector interface.
Tom Sanders
Tom came to Aberdeen 15 years ago for university and has never looked back. Following graduation he joined EY and is now an Associate Partner at the firm. Tom has always had a desire to develop, coach and attract people to Aberdeen having previously been on the policy council at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and chairing EYs Connecting Emerging Leaders programme. Tom was a keen supporter of the EY business apprentice programme when it was launched at the firm and personally mentored a number of the original cohort.
Mirela Delibegovic
Prof Mirela Delibegovic is the Dean for Industrial Engagement in Research and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Aberdeen and the Director (Diabetes) of the Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre.
Prof Delibegovic’s research for the past 20+ years has focused on the causes and consequences of development of diabetes and the complications associated with diabetes. Her laboratory is particularly interested in co-morbidities such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic foot ulcers as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and NASH. In more recent years, she has been investigating the molecular link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease and how these are regulated by nutrition and ageing. Prof Delibegovic sits on several national funding committees, including acting as Chair/Vice-Chair of the British Heart Foundation project grants committee, Chair/Vice-Chair roles within Diabetes UK main committee, grants committee member of the Bart’s Charity and scientific advisory board of the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF). She is passionate about career development of staff and students, public engagement in research, academia/industry collaborations and knowledge transfer.
Susie Walsh
Susie is the Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen where her role includes strategy, admissions, and research.
Susie holds a BSc in Applied Biology, a PhD in the field of disinfection and sterilisation and an MBA from Cardiff University. She began her career with Cardiff University as a post-doctoral researcher, before moving to De Montfort University, Leicester where she held various positions, latterly Associate Head of the School of Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology.
Passionate about widening participation in Higher Education, Susie also maintains her research interests in microbiology focussing on disinfection.
Ralph McIntosh
Ralph has fifteen years’ experience as corporate lawyer, working principally in and with the oil and gas industry. He spent thirteen years working as a corporate lawyer with Burness Paull LLP, latterly as a director, before joining energy infrastructure company Kellas Midstream in an in-house legal role. Ralph’s experience of a wide range of corporate deals, mainly in the energy and technology sectors, has provided Ralph with an excellent insight into the key factors in success for technology and energy focused businesses. His current role with Kellas gives him a thorough understanding of the lifecycle and value chain in oil and gas and net zero projects.
Ralph is passionate about helping people develop and ensuring equality of opportunity for all. He sits on the board of youth sports charity Inverurie Youth Sports Foundation and in that role has seen many young people blossom and succeed with the assistance of targeted support. He is delighted to have the opportunity to be able to contribute to the positive impact he has seen TechFest have on young people and their engagement with STEM subjects.
Kathryn McKee
Head of communications & external affairs, Scotland, bp
Kathryn has more than 20 years’ experience in communications and public relations, spanning the public and private sector and a broad range of industries – from food and pharmaceuticals, to tourism, health, transport and energy. She currently leads bp’s communications team in Scotland, having previously held roles with Shell, NHS Scotland and in PR consultancy where she spent a significant part of her career delivering communications campaigns for the Scottish Government’s major infrastructure projects through Transport Scotland.
Kathryn holds an MA in interpreting & translating from Heriot-Watt University, a diploma in public affairs and is a chartered member of the Institute of Public Relations.
Having seen first-hand the positive impact of TechFest on young people – including her own daughters – she is delighted to be able to contribute to the continuing success of TechFest as a member of the board.
Prof. Donald Cairns
Don Cairns completed his degree and PhD at the University of Strathclyde and worked as an academic in Leicester and Sunderland before moving back to Scotland to take up the post of Associate Head of the School of Pharmacy at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. In 2006, he was promoted to Professor of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at RGU and in 2010 was appointed Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences. He became an emeritus Professor in January 2022 when he retired from the university.
Prof Cairns is a member of the General Pharmaceutical Council, a Fellow of the Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and of the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2006 he was appointed to the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and serves on an MHRA Expert Advisory Group on Medicinal Chemicals. He is also the author of a textbook, Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, currently in its 4th Edition
Please take the time to let us know your suggestions and comments. We love to hear about how much fun you had at one of our events. Below are some of our favourite comments that have made us smile!
"Great Techfest events. Really enjoyed the variety and different locations. Opening event was very interesting."
"Loved it all but especially H2O and STEM Wheel of Science. Son enjoyed Lego Robot. Helpful and friendly volunteers."
"Great event. Very friendly and professional assistants and specialists introducing science. Fantastic opportunity for kids to experience science."
By championing the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities that engage, challenge, inform and inspire the young people of Scotland it will contribute to the nation having a STEM-rich knowledge economy and being recognised as a STEM-literate society.
To promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities to young people and the wider community.
Our people are our greatest asset - we treat each other fairly, honestly and with respect.
Schools, colleges, industry, government and the community are our clients. We nurture strong relationships with them and welcome feedback to ensure our operation remains focused on their needs.
We embrace, promote and actively seek partnerships to realise our vision and deliver our aims.
Health, Safety and the Environment are at the heart of our planning, operation and delivery.
We demand clear financial reporting and manage financial risk in all areas of our business.
TechFest's vision, mission and values all reflect our commitment and understanding, borne from knowledge and experience, of what is required to be successful designing, developing and delivering schools engagement projects.
TechFest has an enviable record of engagement with schools in the North-East and throughout Scotland. This is reflected in our level of activity, reputation and knowledge of the education community in each of the 32 Local Authority areas.
Please see this link for our Privacy Notice.
For further information about our full Data Protection Policy, please email Jenny Taylor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call 01224 274187
Proud to be a STEM Nation Award Supporter
Click here to see upcoming events.
Annual Reviews:
2020 (click here)
2021 (click here)
2022 (click here)
1. The yearly TechFest Festiva
2. TechFest Early Years and Primary Outreach
3. TechFest Secondary Outreach
4. Secondary Outreach – STEM in Action
5. CREST Awards
Through these routes and other routes, we fulfil our aim to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by:
TechFest’s MISSION STATEMENT reflects its commitment and understanding; borne from knowledge and experience of what is required to be successful in designing, developing and delivering schools engagement projects. TechFest has an enviable record of engagement with schools in the North-East and throughout Scotland. This is reflected in our level of activity, reputation and knowledge of the education community in each of the 32 Local Authority areas. With over 20 years’ experience in promoting STEM subjects we are in the unique position to identify effective activities and measure impact.
We continually evaluate and assesses the impact of its operation – the quality, relevance and delivery. Advice, guidance and feedback are sought from education professionals, participants, providers and pupils. This is then reflected in the development and future delivery in all areas of our operation. The TechFest team are highly motivated, dedicated and skilled. Each member of staff has a range of relevant skills, qualifications and knowledge including science degrees, communication, experience in event management, accounts, performing arts, presentation training; in the charity, voluntary, private and public sectors.
The most significant resources that TechFest has in the delivery of a successful project are its:
TechFest is renown in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland for its annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics which is highly regarded as a key event within education, industry and the wider community.
TechFest works with a range of sponsors to provide an accessible, diverse and entertaining programme for everyone to get involved in!
Check out Education to find out more about the learning activities and programmes we deliver to schools!
