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Urenco hosts inaugural Richie Lecture
19 December 2014
Urenco has held its inaugural Richie Lecture at the Royal Society, the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
With 150 secondary students in attendance from schools across London, the event on 17 December was a celebration of science featuring a keynote lecture by Sir David King, the Government’s Special Representative for Climate Change. Students also participated in group activities and competitions.
Entitled ‘Powering Our Future Planet’, the event focused on a broad range of energy topics such as home energy usage and consumer habits. It also explored the current and future energy demands of the world population set in the context of past trends. Students were encouraged to identify possible future energy sources and to consider how technological advances could impact the energy sector.
Urenco held the event in collaboration with the British Science Association (BSA), one of the UK’s leading science organisations. Urenco has worked with the BSA since 2013 and this event follows the successful launch earlier this year of a set of classroom materials for primary school audiences as part of the nationwide CREST Star programme.
The collaboration with the BSA was inspired by the ‘Richie’ programme which is a core element of Urenco’s school and education outreach. Richie is an animated character and acts as the ambassador of the programme who seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Jayne Hallett, Director of Corporate Communications at Urenco, said:
“The inaugural Richie Lecture was created to complement the existing work we do with primary students to nurture an interest in science and engineering. We were delighted to see so many young people engaged in science and energy issues. We hope that by attending the event the students will be inspired to continue studying STEM subjects and become our future science leaders.”
Katherine Mathieson, Director of Programmes at the British Science Association, added:
“It is extremely pleasing to see events like the Richie Lecture where schoolchildren who are our future leaders are able to engage with current leaders. The British Science Association believes in a world where science is seen as a fundamental part of the UK’s culture and society and it is evident from events like today that students are very much engaged in the issues at hand.”
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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