AECOM crowned winners of STEM challenge

An engaging video showcasing acoustics and STEM careers to students has won a prestigious award (@AECOM).

#ExploreAcoustics: The John Connell STEM Award 2021, created by the Noise Abatement Society together with and sponsored by the ANC and ANV Measurement Systems, was presented to engineering firm AECOM as part of a glittering ceremony at the Palace of Westminster.

SRL Technical Services took Highly Commended at the event.

Both companies are members of the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC), who sponsored the John Connell STEM award alongside ANV Measurement systems.

The open award invited students and experts in acoustics to produce a short film, exploring particular areas of their expertise.

The submissions were targeted towards a school age audience and were looking for creative flair with good video and audio production qualities, as well as promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Acousticians from AECOM, Cameron Salisbury, Kim Onjum and Drew Waller, produced the winning entry entitled Theo’s Soundwalk.

This is the second year the STEM challenge has been held after initially launching in 2019, with the idea of showing schoolchildren examples of STEM opportunities and careers.

Graham Parry, President of the ANC, presented the awards at the House of Commons’ ceremony. He said:

“We were thrilled at the number of entries we received for this year’s competition.

“The standard of submissions has been really high and there’s been some really creative entries so congratulations to AECOM and SRL Technical Services.

“Unfortunately, last year we had to press pause on the awards due to the pandemic, but we were back in person this year celebrating the accolades businesses have received.

“Since starting the challenge in 2019, the winning and shortlisted videos have been included in an online playlist on the ANC website and they have been used extensively to promote acoustics to a younger generation.”

Gloria Elliot OBE, Chief Executive of the Noise Abatement Society, added:

“We’d like to not only congratulate AECOM for their success at the John Connell Awards this year, but also extend our thanks to everyone who entered the competition.

“It’s important we continue to encourage the younger generation about the opportunities within STEM and the sound environment and these videos show a fun, interactive approach in doing that.”

The initiative builds on the ANC’s ‘#ExploreAcoustics’ campaign, which promotes the wide range of opportunities available to students interested in a career in STEM.

#ExploreAcoustics includes video interviews and in-depth case studies featuring students, graduates, professionals and academics in the industry.