Dr Julie Keeble, second from right, accepts the Podium Award
King’s College London is celebrating Olympic and Paralympic Games glory today after its Scientists in Sport programme triumphed at the first ever Podium Awards for London 2012 inspired projects.
Scientists in Sport, a joint initiative established by King’s and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), fought off fierce competition from more than 230 nominated projects to win the gold medal in the ‘Get Set Award for Inspiring Learning’ category in front of over 350 attendees and dignitaries including London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) CEO, Paul Deighton and Xavier Gonzalez, Chief Executive of the International Paralympic Committee.
As science will play such a crucial part in the Games, the partnership between King’s and GSK to deliver the anti-doping testing for the Games also provides a unique platform to support science education. Scientists in Sport provides an opportunity for young people across the UK to learn about the science behind the Games and open their eyes to the huge array of careers both on the track and in the lab. It encourages 11-14 year old students to take their studies further and consider pursuing career in science.
Julie Keeble, Outreach Co-ordinator for the School of Biomedical Sciences at King’s, said: ‘We are delighted to be awarded the Gold Medal for the Get Set Award for Inspiring Outstanding Learning through the London 2012 Games. It is testament to all of the tremendous effort that staff and STEMNET ambassadors at King’s have put in to developing this programme with GlaxoSmithKline. The greatest legacy of this project will be to have inspired more young people into careers in science through learning about the fascinating science behind the 2012 Games.’
Paul Deighton, CEO LOCOG said: ‘Colleges and Universities have played an integral role in supporting London 2012. I congratulate King’s College London and GSK on winning a gold medal at the Podium Awards. Scientists in Sport is a tremendous example of how the power of the Games is being used to inspire people to make a real and lasting difference.’
The black tie ceremony, held in Forman’s Fish Island, overlooking the Olympic stadium, was a one-off event to celebrate UK colleges and universities contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their legacy. The projects recognised ranged from education, research and sport to culture, volunteering and international collaboration
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