Innova labs inspire world’s youngest nuclear scientist

New science facilities designed by a leading education interiors company have won the seal of approval – from the world’s youngest nuclear scientist.

Stockport based Innova Design Solutions, alongside Cassidy + Ashton Architects and contractors F Parkinson, have created state of the art science labs and a collaborative research zone at Penwortham Priory Academy in Preston, the school where 13 year old Jamie Edwards became the youngest person in the world to create nuclear fusion in 2014.

Jamie, who’s now studying for his GCSEs at the school, says the new learning space, which features cutting edge wet and dry labs and a flexible collaborative area will inspire students’ passion for science.

“The lab where I did my experiment was pretty old and wasn’t really equipped to handle modern science lessons,” says Jamie, “so it’s great to see how it’s been transformed into an open plan space which encourages students to come in and explore science in breaks and lunch times.

“The new classrooms have everything you’d ever need as a pupil learning science at school and I hope this amazing space will inspire students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and help to create the next generation of scientists.”

The labs, part of a £750,000 investment project by the school, include a wet lab created using Innova’s flexible Hot Corners design, which combines a working classroom and a practical laboratory in one space, and a dry lab with reconfigurable pod units which can be rearranged to accommodate a range of teaching styles.

An open plan research zone, complete with ‘space age’ themed break out area and and sawtooth desking for ICT work offers staff and students the opportunity to work in groups or individually. Flexible furniture and glass screens which double as writing boards enable teachers to alter the space to suit their needs.

The new development also features a dramatic constellation lit ceiling, futuristic  ‘orb’ style display units and a specially created pet zone to house geckos, hamsters and an aquarium.

Melanie Laing, Director of Innova Design Solutions said: “Penwortham Priory were looking for innovative, open plan learning spaces that inspired students without placing any restrictions on the way they learned.

‘We’ve worked with them to create a space pupils really want to spend time in – even outside of lessons – and we hope the new facilities will encourage students to explore their interest in science and maybe follow in Jamie’s footsteps.”