Empowering Young People

Bioengineers from Queen Mary University of London and the Ideas Foundation worked with Year 10 students from the City Academy in Hackney to create compelling campaigns addressing the issue of how exposure to air pollution and chemicals in cosmetic products affect health. The workshop took place during the Big Bang Fair event which is one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of STEM for schools on Tuesday 17th June 2025.

The Power of Science and Art

The workshop aimed to highlight the often overlooked impacts of pollution exposure to vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children and older people increasing their risk to respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. Fuji ambassador Eliska Sky, Kelcy Magombedze as digital content creator from MunichRe and award winning photographer Michael Cockerham combined the power of science and art, as GCSE students worked with Dr Tina Chowdhury and her inspiring team of Women in STEMM who are leading the way to tackle real-world challenges affecting infection and inflammatory diseases in women and children. Tina is leading a clinical trial on the role of air pollution exposure during pregnancy and how exposure to high concentrations of particulates might increase the risk of preterm birth.

Hidden Chemicals in Cosmetics

Tina presented research on the controversial ingredients used in cosmetics and beauty products and why the UK needs to support The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics advocating for better regulation. One of the primary goals will be to phase out the use of chemicals that are known to cause harm on reproductive organs leading to cancer and mental health problems. The Office for Product Safety and Standards reviews the use of chemicals but it is difficult to prove how make-up can cause disease, especially in young people. The challenge will be to create sustainable organic and natural products that promote a positive relationship with beauty.

Heather MacRae who is the Chief Executive of the Ideas Foundation said “This long-standing partnership with QMUL reflects our commitment to empowering young people while tackling real world challenges. Events like Big Bang UK are important fostering networking and collaboration between multi-disciplinary organisations to inspire and change the game with culture”.

A gallery of the work created by the students when using state of the art digital camera equipment loaned Canon UK has been created. Students worked with members of the BioMedEng Society and learned different perspectives on biomedical engineering. For example, how pollution affects the environment around us, how to reduce pollution, teamworking and how to work a camera or use light.

This project was funded by the Creative Floor Award, Royal Academy of Engineering and Centre for Public Engagement.