A leading engineering firm has reinforced its commitment to STEM education with a grant to help grow eco-scientists of the future.

Transicon has given £2,000 to Birmingham University's Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) Branching Out project.

The money has funded 50 BIFoR in a Box kits to encourage secondary school students to engage in science.

The STEM kits help pupils to create and install a DIY tree growth band called a dendrometer, collect data and discover more about the BIFoR FACE project – one of the world’s largest climate change experiments.

Based in a mature oak woodland in Staffordshire, the Free-Air-Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment, has been designed to investigate the impact of elevated CO2 levels – similar to those predicted to be the norm by 2050 – on forest ecosystems.

It is one of only three research facilities to exist worldwide and is supporting researchers globally to understand how forests respond to environmental change.

Transicon has had a key role to play in the project by developing a new control system for the experiment ensuring it is future-proofed for many years to come.

Jennifer Hughes, director of Telford-based Transicon, said it was through this work it had become aware of the school Branching Out project and she was delighted to be able to support it.

The BIFoR in a Box kit allows pupils to do their own bit of citizen science by measuring tree growth in their own communities and adding to extensive data already collected by the FACE team.

Jennifer said: “As a business we are passionate about supporting STEM education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

“You don’t have to be a science professor to see that the climate is changing – the extremes of heat, rain and wind that used to be once in a decade events now seem to hit us every year.

“Understanding the impact those changes will have on us all, and developing real-world solutions for dealing with those impacts, is vital. For that, we need more scientists and engineers, so I’m delighted that our donation will help at least 50 schools to encourage their pupils to get involved in learning about the technologies needed.”

Transicon is one the country’s leading manufacturers of electrical control systems, drive systems and industrial automation systems and has a long-held commitment to encouraging and supporting young people, especially girls, into engineering and manufacturing careers at every level, from apprentices to graduates. Dr Kris Hart at the Birmingham Institute for Forest Research, said: “We're thrilled that Transicon has chosen to support our BIFoR in a Box project with this generous donation.

“Having worked with them on modernising our FACE experiment control systems, we know firsthand their commitment to innovative science and technology.

“This funding will enable us to reach even more schools and inspire young people to engage with real environmental research.

“The kits allow students to become citizen scientists, contributing valuable data whilst learning about climate change and forest science.

“It's partnerships like this with forward-thinking companies such as Transicon that help us bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and education, potentially inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers.”

The BIFoR in a Box kits include metal tape, digital calliper, springs, ID guide, measuring tape and tree height measuring device and are sent out free to schools which register an interest. The team has also trained undergraduate students, researchers and professional staff to carry out engagement and outreach sessions to pupils in the field.

For more information about Transicon, visit www.transicon.co.uk

More details about the BIFoR FACE experiment can be found on the project website.