Mid and East Antrim is once again putting curiosity, creativity and innovation at the heart of learning, with the launch of the dynamic 2026/27 ‘Activate Your Curiosity’ programme.
Returning for the fifth year, Activate Your Curiosity connects young people with exciting opportunities across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The programme was co-founded by world-renowned physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox CBE, FRS.
Activate Your Curiosity in Mid and East Antrim is a Making the Future initiative, designed to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds to explore the exciting possibilities offered by STEAM subjects. It is supported by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and funded by the Department for Communities.
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Through a vibrant and diverse programme of hands-on activities, creative challenges and real-world experiences primary and post-primary students will have opportunities to see how STEAM subjects shape the world around them. They will also gain an insight into the wide range of careers and pathways available across the local economy.
The programme is backed locally by the council with headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions UK & Ireland and support from local companies including Michelin Development, Terumo Blood & Cell Technology, Moore Concrete, EPUKI, Phoenix Energy and Caterpillar.
Together these partners are helping to create meaningful connections between education and industry, supporting the development of future talent and strengthening the pipeline of skills needed to drive innovation and learning.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon said: "It is fantastic to see Activate Your Curiosity return to Mid and East Antrim for a fifth year. This programme offers more than just a series of events — it’s an investment in our young people and the future of our borough.
“By bringing together educators, employers, and students, we’re creating meaningful opportunities that spark interest in STEAM from an early age. It’s encouraging to witness such strong collaboration, which not only highlights local career pathways but also strengthens the pipeline of talent that our economy needs to thrive."
The 2026/27 programme will feature an array of engaging components, including:
· Creative Competitions: Inspiring students to think innovatively and apply their STEAM knowledge in imaginative ways.
· Interactive School Workshops: Bringing STEAM to life through dynamic, hands-on sessions delivered directly in classrooms.
· Behind-the-Scenes Industry Visits: Giving students exclusive access to local companies to see how STEAM drives real-world innovation and success.
· MEA Apprenticeship Career Fair with Q&A Panel: showcasing the companies in MEA and offering inspiration to Years 12-14 students.
David Watson, Chair of the Making The Future (MTF), shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: "We’re passionate about sparking curiosity in young people and opening their eyes to the exciting opportunities within STEAM. By connecting students with industry professionals and offering hands-on, real-world experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem solvers."
A major highlight in the programme will take place in January 2027, when Activate Your Curiosity hosts an exciting flagship event featuring a packed programme of hands-on workshops. Designed to encourage students to experiment, question and explore, the event will bring STEAM to life through a series of quirky, interactive and fun-filled activities.
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January’s event will also feature a series of TED-style talks from leading industry experts, giving young people the opportunity to hear directly from inspirational speakers working at the forefront of innovation. Speakers will share powerful insights into creativity, problem-solving, real-world perspectives on innovation, creativity, and the future of STEAM.
The Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership is funded by Department for Communities. Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
For further information or to get involved with Activate Your Curiosity, contact christine.barnhill@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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