SCHOOLKIDS donned their labcoats and goggles for a UK-first event at the University of the West of Scotland campus in Paisley.

Scores of brainbox students and teachers, including a bunch of budding academics from across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, got stuck into a two-day science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) event, as the university launched the country’s first summer STEM academy.

The fully-booked programme aimed to give teachers and pupils the chance to learn from academics and industry specialists to develop their own projects and deliver them to primary school kids.

Among those taking part were youngsters from Linwood High, St Andrew’s Academy, in Paisley, Eastwood High and St Luke’s High, in Barrhead.

Paisley-born inventor James Goodfellow, who patented the first ATM machine in 1966 and was the brains behind the PIN number, was one of many speakers inspiring students to take up STEM subjects and consider careers in the industries.

Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS principal and vice-chancellor, said: “The summer STEM academy is further evidence of the university’s commitment to encouraging the training, promotion and adoption of STEM subjects at all levels.

“The initiative’s aim is to raise the aspirations of pupils to consider STEM subjects and to widen the access they have to higher education.

“The academy is an exciting and unique opportunity for a mix of students from all stages of education to learn and share in their experiences of STEM together, listen to inspiring speakers such as James Goodfellow and build vital skills and connections that will greatly benefit them later in life.

“I’m really proud of the university for hosting such a forward-thinking event, creating a first for the UK and a model which can now be adapted to allow more organisations within higher education to offer such a beneficial training programme.”

Also in attendance alongside Mr Goodfellow were the winning team from this year’s Mission Discovery programme, which saw around 200 youngsters compete for the chance to have their science experiments sent to space and tested by astronauts at the International Space Station.

The students who attended the academy are also now equipped to run events in their own schools and will be eligible to be put forward for a newly-created UWS PRIDE Award, which recognises the work they’ve carried out to promote STEM in their communities.