The launch of Essex 2020 was hosted in Chelmsford by Teledyne e2v - a world leading developer of cutting-edge technologies. It brought together for the first time a flavour of the trail-blazing innovation and rich diversity of arts which together are helping to drive Essex into 2020 and beyond.
Ground-breaking innovations showcased at the event included a space exploration satellite and image sensors destined for NASA and the European Space Agency; a cold atom chamber demonstration; science and engineering projects from students at Anglia Ruskin University, including a Raspberry Pi navigation aid for the visually impaired; and exhibits from internationally acclaimed Essex based space artist, Jackie Burns.
Speaking at the event, Essex County Council Chief Executive Gavin Jones said:
“As well as boasting a proud history of technology and innovation, Essex is a hugely creative county. That’s why we are putting the ‘Arts’ into STEM. By experiencing our pioneering STEM industries and rich diversity of arts and culture firsthand, Essex 2020 will help residents of all ages feel proud of the county’s past achievements and believe in our exciting future. A new decade of opportunity for our county has begun and Essex 2020 is our window to the world.”
Hear Gavin Jones discussing Essex 2020 with Dave Monk on his BBC Essex show (from 1hr 36mins).
Also bringing Essex 2020 to life were guest speakers Professor Trevor Cross, Group Chief Technology Officer, Teledyne e2v; Cllr Dick Madden, Cabinet Member for Essex 2020, Essex County Council; Professor Yvonne Barnett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Anglia Ruskin University; Rosie Millard OBE, Chair of Firstsite Colchester and Adam Wood, Vice President of Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society. The event was expertly compered by Dave Monk from BBC Essex.
See coverage of the launch on BBC Look East (from 12mins 50secs)
What is Essex 2020?
A Year of Science and Creativity was the vision of Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society. They supported Anglia Ruskin University’s successful bid to host the British Science Festival in Essex for the first time in its 189-year history. Essex 2020 also marks several important milestones for Essex: the 100th anniversary of Marconi’s pioneering telecommunications; 200 years since the maiden voyage of The Beagle and 400 years since The Mayflower left Harwich.
Essex 2020 has been created by Essex Partners. Comprising public, private, charity and education organisations dedicated to improving the county of Essex.
The ambition of Essex 2020 ‘A Year of Science and Creativity’ is to:
- create opportunities for every child to participate in a STEAM related event in 2020
- inspire some 500,000 residents (34% of the population) to get involved
- generate renewed confidence and pride in Essex as a place to live, work and visit
- elevate aspirations of young people and adult learners for their future careers
- drive innovation and prosperity through new and lasting partnerships between business, industry, the arts, education and grass roots organisations
For press and media enquiries, and to download the full press release, please visit the Essex 2020 Media Centre at essex2020.com/contact/media-centre/