AtkinsRéalis shifts STEM learning into high gear with F1 School of the Future initiative
Photo credit: Ian Edwards
AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering and nuclear services company, has combined its decade-long role managing the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix with an education initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
In a LinkedIn post, President and CEO Ian Edwards described his visit to the race, where AtkinsRéalis and the Alpine Formula One Team jointly showcased their School of the Future program. The initiative connects students with the science and engineering behind F1 technology, helping them apply STEM concepts to issues such as clean energy, mobility, and water sustainability.
Edwards said the program aims “to ignite curiosity and empower the next generation to solve real-world challenges, from water scarcity and clean energy to sustainable mobility, while building essential employability skills in the process.”
Supporting young innovators on a global stage
As part of the visit, Edwards met finalists from the Global STEM Racing World Finals—a competition linked to the Alpine partnership that challenges students to design and race CO₂-powered model cars.
He highlighted a team of three students from a secondary school in Wales, whose project earned the Women in Motorsport trophy. “Three remarkable young women from a state school in Wales whose creativity and technical brilliance earned them the Women in Motorsport trophy, and I’m thrilled that they’ll be joining us for a work experience placement in the UK,” he said.
Edwards also met a team of young engineers from Québec, finalists in the competition for their CO₂-propelled car design. “We are excited to offer them an experience in our Montreal office in the near future,” he added.
Learning through Formula 1 technology
The School of the Future program offers students hands-on experiences that link classroom learning with real engineering environments. Through the Alpine partnership, participants gain access to tools used in professional motorsport, including simulators, data analysis platforms, and aerodynamic modeling.
Edwards noted that the technology and teamwork behind Formula 1 mirror the company’s values. “The energy, precision, and collaboration behind this event mirror the values we live every day,” he said.
The program’s focus extends beyond technical skills to employability and inclusion, particularly encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers. Students who take part in School of the Future projects can go on to internships and placements within AtkinsRéalis’ global offices.
Reflecting on his time at the Singapore Grand Prix, Edwards described the event as a powerful intersection of education and innovation. “From testing the Alpine Simulator to engaging with our Singapore team, this visit was a celebration of excellence and what we can achieve together,” he wrote.
