Future Flight: Empowering students to soar via STEM

ZeroAvia are proud to be partnering with The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) on The Future Flight project. We’re bridging the gap between education and industry by allowing secondary school students across the UK to learn about and contribute to Carbon Net-Zero aviation.

Unleashing curiosity and creativity

IRIS connects students and teachers with actual cutting-edge scientific research. IRIS aims to nurture critical thinking skills and inspire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers by offering participation and research-based activities for the curriculum. Through its collaborative approach, IRIS empowers young minds, fosters active participation in the scientific research and nurtures the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. We’re a perfect partnership, as we feel compelled to help students explore the fascinating world of aviation and aerospace. There’s no better way than through hands-on experiments, captivating research opportunities, and immersive educational experiences. Providing access to cutting-edge technologies and real-world challenges means we can take their learning beyond the classroom, sparking their curiosity and fuelling their creativity.

Pioneering in practice

This project will see students collaborating with leading experts as they gain invaluable insights and practical skills that align with industry standards. This unique collaboration fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. It’s truly a project for inspiring future innovators!

We’re showcasing the direct applications of STEM disciplines in aviation and aerospace, and this hands-on approach to learning enriches individual academic journeys and equips students with the tools necessary to shape their careers, aviation and the world of tomorrow.

What To expect

Initial, individual research will highlight commercial aviation’s current impact on the planet and how carbon emissions can be reduced. From there, the theory behind hydrogen fuel cells takes centre stage alongside the fundamentals of aircraft design and operation. We look forward to seeing student solutions on how to adapt an existing aircraft for carbon-free flight using NASA-developed software that can virtually gauge performance.

After regular webinars and face-to-face visits with the technical team at ZeroAvia, students will attend an IRIS conference and present their research and results to their peers.

Expect this project to test students’ ability to interpret data from software, make conscious design decisions and give them experience working towards a real-life challenge faced by ZeroAvia’s technical teams today. They’ll:

• consider the impact of external vs internal tanks by various means of cost-benefit analysis, including drag, ticket price and range
• make decisions to achieve aircraft adaptations that minimise environmental impact and consumer cost
• create a poster to document their research and stretch tasks
• 3D print their aircraft design models.

ZeroAvia believes in the power of education to transform lives, build confidence and shape a more sustainable future. Join our aviation revolution and inspire students to reach new heights of knowledge and discovery. Together, we’re empowering students to develop Clean Sky Thinking, armed with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a world desperate for cutting-edge solutions.

Students are welcome to be part of HydroGen and anticipate a worthwhile career in net-zero aviation. Help your school collaborate with IRIS – register and learn more today.