The latest instalment of The Queen’s School Academic Lecture Programme offered students an exciting opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in robotics and environmental science.
Dr Malcolm Druett, a leading researcher in solar flares and robotics at the University of Sheffield, introduced pupils to the transformative power of robotics. Students discovered how robotics is being applied across a wide range of fields, from improving surgical precision in healthcare to supporting manufacturing, agriculture, and space exploration. Highlighting innovative projects such as robotic telescopes for studying the sun and new hearing aid designs, Dr Druett demonstrated how robots are not only shaping technology but also creating new opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.
In the programme’s final lecture of 2026, Dr Benedetta Dini, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Birmingham University, shared her expertise on landslides and their potentially catastrophic impacts. Drawing on research in countries including Bhutan, Indonesia, and Peru, Dr Dini explained how satellite monitoring and advanced data analysis can help scientists predict landslides and reduce risk to communities worldwide. She emphasised the real-world importance of environmental research, and how understanding natural hazards is crucial for safeguarding lives and infrastructure.
Both lectures are part of the Queen’s Academic Lecture Programme, a series designed to prepare sixth form pupils for the step up to university-level study. By exposing students to the latest developments in research and encouraging critical thinking, the programme aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.