2026 SCHOOL CAREERS SHOWCASE SUCCESS

Dynamic Earth’s Your Planet, Your Future! Event empowered hundreds of young people with new perspectives on STEM careers and connected them with role models working in research and industry.

Dynamic Earth’s annual careers showcase welcomed more than 600 young people across two packed days to explore opportunities in STEM and sustainability that can be unlocked by studying science and geography at school and beyond.

The centre welcomed representatives from more than 24 leading STEM and sustainability employers to Dynamic Earth to meet with young people and explore career possibilities and pathways into professions. Learners had the chance to chat with role models working in the STEM and sustainability sector over hands-on activities, giving them an insight into their world of work in a showcase format.

Learners took part in a wide range of activities, including:

–  Meeting EUCLID – a lifelike 3D printed humanoid robot with an advanced AI system who speaks multiple languages, to explore how robots are aiming to supported advances in health and social care
–  Meeting Earth and environmental scientists working in climate change research, and modelling their own flood defence systems
–  Trying out a Virtual Reality experience exploring how modern medicines are made
– Visiting the Engineering Zone, supported by Edinburgh College, for hands-on engineering challenges exploring wind turbine manufacture and renewable energy in Scotland
–  Simulated landslides and explored natural hazard responses
–  Finding out how their voice box works with ultrasound machines

Young people also had the opportunity to take part in The Skyscanner Sessions, a series of interactive panel discussions sponsored by Skyscanner, with colleagues from Edinburgh College exploring apprenticeship opportunities in Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles, Technologists working in electrical innovation engineering from Cirrus Logic, robotics and AI specialists from Edinburgh Napier University, the conservation team from the Scottish Seabird Centre and Sustainability leads from Skyscanner. The panel were made up of people who had entered their career through college access, apprenticeship programmes, through higher education and exclusively through volunteering and seasonal employment.

Reflecting on the event, Conor Ellis – Dynamic Earth’s Science Learning and Engagement Director – commented:

“Studying science empowers young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. STEM skills are vital to Scotland’s economy and to tackling global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health innovation. By showcasing visible, diverse role models through initiatives like our Your Planet, Your Future! Showcase, we help young people discover diverse pathways open to them and continue their STEM journey with confidence.”