Driven by curiosity. Driving changeOutreach and widening participation
We run a wide range of events, activities and partnerships that open the department to the world around us – from academic conferences and professional training to public talks, school outreach and community engagement.
We work with diverse audiences, including researchers, students, schools, partners such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers, and the wider public. Whether you’re visiting for a conference, attending a talk, exploring study options, or collaborating with us, our aim is to share what we do and why it matters.
We are particularly committed to supporting prospective students from all backgrounds, including those who are underrepresented or face additional barriers to higher education. Through our outreach work, we aim to inspire talented young people to explore – and apply to – chemical engineering and biotechnology at Cambridge.
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Outreach activities
Flagship public engagement
Davidson Inventors Challenge
Our STEM competition for Year 11-12 students, focused on innovation and sustainable development.
Cambridge Festival
Discover CamFest at CEB, where our hands-on activities introduce young visitors to the creativity and impact of our research.
Sutton Trust Summer School
The Department takes part in several school-aged activities, from the Sutton Trust Summer School to the Brilliant Club.
Outreach and widening participation
Our outreach programme supports students in exploring chemical engineering and biotechnology and understanding pathways to university study.
We work with school students (primarily Years 10 to 12), teachers and partner organisations including The Sutton Trust and The Brilliant Club. Our aim is to widen access to Cambridge and provide engaging, realistic insight into the subject.
Key activities include:
- Davidson Inventors Challenge (flagship programme spanning outreach and competition)
- Sutton Trust Summer Schools
- The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme
- Open Days and masterclasses for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses
- Contributions to wider initiatives such as Physics at Work and Cambridge Festival School Days
We highlight:
- the real-world applications of chemical engineering and biotechnology
- the role the subject plays in addressing global challenges in sustainability and healthcare
- the wide range of careers open to graduates
Industrial Student Support Network (ISSN)
Industrial Student Support Network (ISSN): A department‑run network connecting CEB students with industrial partners through mentoring, placements and professional development opportunities. The ISSN helps students build industry insight, develop career pathways and engage with organisations across chemical engineering and biotechnology, while giving companies a direct route to work with some of the most driven students in the country.
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Contact us
Email our Outreach Team on outreach@ceb.cam.ac.uk