Collaborative gaming project to inspire young people into future STEM careers

Students from the School of Computer Science and Informatics are inspiring the next generation of young people to take an interest in coding through an exciting new project called Impact Games.

The School is teaming up with the Cardiff Science Festival, which has been awarded funding from the UK Science Festivals Network (UKSFN) and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) to run the initiative.

The aim of the project is to inspire young people to get into computer coding by supporting them to not just play, but create their own computer games, and also includes working with Girlguiding Cymru.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Ambassador students from the School of Computer Science and Informatics will work with the young people to support them with coding and designing graphics for the game, which could be about a drug to help treat cancer, or a game to detect weaknesses in bridges and other structures.

Cheryl McNamee-Brittain, School and College Liaison Officer at Cardiff University said: “As a Technocamps hub, the School of Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff University is delighted to be part of this exciting project. Our student STEM Ambassadors are looking forward to working with the Girl Guides and Impact Gamers to create some exciting and informative games linked to important research areas. Hopefully, it will inspire the young people to take up STEM related subjects and careers in the future!”

This collaborative project also involves Impact Gamers, a BAFTA award winning community interest company, who are experienced in working with young people to show them how fun and easy coding can be, taking their game ideas and helping to make them a reality.

Our STEM Ambassador students should begin working with the Girl Guides, Impact Gamers and researchers very soon, with the games getting completed by February and showcased at Cardiff Science Festival.