Youngsters from across Greater Manchester were wowed by the inspiration given to them by The University of Manchester’s own Women of Wonder.

Dozens of Year 9 and 10 students from schools representing Manchester, Bury and Rochdale gathered at the University’s North Campus as part of a University-led campaign to inspire girls to pursue their ambitions to study science and engineering.

The students were welcomed by the University’s own Women of Wonder, including Rachel Brealey, the Director of Faculty Operations for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University. Rachel, a science graduate of the University, is now one of its senior managers and leading a £360million project to build a state-of-the-art engineering campus for the next generation of students.

“I love my role – when I meet our academic staff I am always discovering new and exciting work they are pioneering,” said Rachel, who explained that a science or engineering qualification opened up huge opportunities for women in the workplace.

Professor Danielle George who was also speaking at the event has just been awarded an MBE. Danielle, a professor of radio frequency engineering and Vice-Dean of Teaching and Learning at the University, received her honour in recognition of her contribution to engineering through public engagement. Danielle has worked tirelessly to bring science, technology and engineering to life, encouraging young people to start careers in science and engineering through a variety of engaging talks and citizen science experiments – including a Robot Orchestra that has involved schools from across the region.