Puppets as Engineers of the Imagination: Using Performing Objects to Communicate Innovative Enzyme Science

This project aims to train engineers to utilise puppetry to engage young people from diverse backgrounds in bio-engineering projects and encourage them to pursue engineering careers. 36 of the most deprived areas in the UK are in Portsmouth and Bognor Regis, with associated limited aspirations towards pursuing STEM careers. The Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI) focuses on developing bio-technological solutions as a low carbon solution for recycling problem plastic waste in a circular economy. The CEI gained international acclaim in 2020 through its use of chimera’s, the joining of 2 different enzymes together, to move the biorecycling technology towards an industrial scalable level. The idea of a chimera is the project driving force to inspire young people to tackle global challenges through a career in engineering. We will inspire young people by promoting the role of engineering: interpreted and discussed through co-design puppetry workshops between engineers from University of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Young Carers Centre with The Makers Guild, the company Making Theatre and Secondary School students at the Priory Secondary School in Portsmouth. A showcase event at Portsmouth Guildhall and digitally captured and shared performances will be used to engage regional, national and international public with the event. This will provide young people with a platform to express their views on engineering. The outcome is expected to be an increase in aspirations among young people in under-represented groups towards pursuing a career in engineering and an increase in engineers driven to develop additional high-quality public engagement activities.