Durham Energy Institute Welcomes First Year 10 Work Experience Cohort

Designed to provide students with an authentic insight into life within a university research institute, the five-day programme introduced participants to the breadth of energy research taking place across Durham University. Rather than simply observing, the students completed genuine research tasks, visited laboratories, analysed data and presented their own ideas to members of the DEI team. 

Throughout the week, the pupils explored topics including offshore wind, hydrogen, heat pumps, fuel poverty and mine water geothermal energy before visiting the Department of Engineering's specialist laboratories. Here they learned about wind tunnel testing and clean room research facilities, gaining a first-hand understanding of how engineering research is helping to tackle the challenges of the global energy transition. 

The programme also challenged students to think creatively about the future of sustainable energy. Working together, they designed a low carbon secondary school, considering renewable energy technologies, biodiversity, transport and climate resilience before presenting their ideas to DEI staff. They also analysed real UK electricity generation data, identifying patterns in renewable energy production and electricity demand before exploring how the UK maintains a secure electricity supply during periods of high demand. 

One of the week's highlights was a visit to Durham University's Botanic Garden with DEI Co Director Professor Stuart Jones. During the visit, the students explored the University's Carboniferous Garden, which recreates the landscape of the Carboniferous Period around 300 million years ago. 

Professor Jones explained how the garden features living descendants of the ancient plants that once formed the vast swamp forests covering much of North East England. Over millions of years, these forests became buried and transformed into the coal seams that fuelled the Industrial Revolution and played such a significant role in County Durham's mining heritage. Students examined tree ferns, horsetails, clubmosses and other primitive plants while learning how scientists use fossils alongside living species to reconstruct Earth's past environments, understand climate change over geological timescales and investigate the origins of the coal measures beneath their feet. The visit provided a fascinating connection between the region's geological history, energy resources and the research carried out at Durham University. 

On the final day, each student spent the morning within a department linked to their own interests before completing an individual research project. One student investigated the potential of nuclear fusion as a future energy source, another explored how battery technology could support the transition to net zero, while the third analysed almost 180 years of weather observations from Durham Observatory to investigate how County Durham's climate has changed over time. Each student presented their findings to the DEI Management Team, demonstrating the confidence and communication skills they had developed throughout the week. 

The inaugural cohort consisted of three Year 10 pupils from UTC South Durham, each already demonstrating impressive ambition and curiosity about future careers in science and engineering. Allegra hopes to pursue a career in medicine, Xuan is interested in aeronautical engineering, and Mariana aspires to become an oceanographer. Throughout the week, all three impressed staff with their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and willingness to engage with complex scientific ideas. 

Reflecting on the success of the programme, the DEI team was delighted by the students' enthusiasm, curiosity and maturity. The pupils embraced every opportunity, asked insightful questions and demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding the scientific and engineering challenges associated with achieving a more sustainable future. Their engagement reinforced the value of giving young people meaningful exposure to university research and STEM careers. 

For further information about our work experience offer email dei.admin@durham.ac.uk.