From MK STEM Awards to Overt STEM Awards

The Overt STEM Awards build on the success of the MK STEM Awards, expanding their reach across the Oxford–Cambridge Arc.

Our new platform recognises the individuals, businesses, educators, and communities driving innovation, shaping culture, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

Why Enter?

  • Gain recognition across one of the UK’s most dynamic STEM regions
  • Celebrate your achievements with peers, partners, and future collaborators
  • Inspire others through your story of innovation, inclusion, or impact
  • Be part of a regional legacy that shapes the future of STEM

“Receiving the Icon / Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 from the MK STEM Awards is more than a personal milestone—it’s a recognition of a journey rooted in purpose, persistence, and people.”

Dr. Idrees A Mohammed (PhD)

Awards Categories

We celebrate excellence across education, business, and community.

Click the dropdowns to view the individual awards

Education

 

STEM Education Trailblazer

 

Globally respected for advancing research-led STEM pedagogy, especially around widening participation and excellence.
 

STEM Enrichment Initiative of the Year

 

A leading STEM outreach organisation supporting extracurricular STEM education across the Arc.
 

Cross-Curricular STEAM Integration Award

 

A powerful cultural-technology collaboration embodying STEAM fusion.
 

Education for Sustainable STEM Futures

 

Pioneers in embedding sustainability and ethics into education and enterprise, shaping green STEM futures.

Emerging Talent & Career Journeys

 

Future Force in STEM – School Age (5–18)

 

Empowering young minds through hands-on coding and digital literacy globally from their Arc base.
 

Future Force in STEM – Further/Higher Education (18–30)

 

A hub nurturing next-gen scientists and spinouts, supporting early career development.
 

STEM Career Reboot Award

 

Specialists in adult re-skilling and vocational STEM routes, particularly for career changers.

Industry, Innovation & Enterprise

 

STEM Research Excellence Award

 

World-class genomic research institute transforming STEM fields with global impact.
 

Sustainable STEM Solution Award

 

Leaders in clean energy and sustainable chemical innovation, driving net-zero technology.
 

STEM Start-Up of the Year (SEED Award)

 

Backers of early-stage STEM innovators with strong commercialisation credentials in the Arc.
 

AI Impact Award

 

A global AI leader in cyber technology with strong Arc roots and a commitment to ethical innovation.

Mentorship, Equity & Inclusion

 

Mentoring Excellence in STEM

 

Renowned for mentoring programmes spanning technical apprenticeships to leadership mentoring.
 

Women in STEM Champion

 

Longstanding champions of women in engineering and infrastructure with national recognition.
 

DEI in STEM Award

 

Committed to industry-leading DEI efforts in tech and engineering, with tangible progress and visibility.
 

STEM Ambassador Award

 

Recognised across the Arc for empowering unsung heroes in outreach and informal science learning.

Collaboration, Community & Regional Leadership

 

STEM Team of the Year

 

Known for breakthrough team-based innovation in rapid genomics and diagnostics.
 

Employer–Education Partnership Award

 

Exemplars of employer-driven education with impactful industry partnerships.
 

Greentech/Sustainability Collaboration Award

 

Coordinating sustainability collaborations between academia and industry across the Arc.
 

Arc Collaboration Award (NEW)

 

Facilitating cross-sector partnerships that drive innovation and inclusion across health and tech.

Special Recognition

 

Lifetime Impact in STEM

Nurtures long-standing leadership across a breadth of STEM disciplines.
 

Overall STEM Champion

Their holistic investment in talent, science and purpose-led innovation makes them a strong headline sponsor.
 

Heartfelt Recognition (Founder’s Award)

As the founder, this is a personal award and should be presented by the host organisation directly without an external sponsor.

Full awards entry guidance can be found here.

Get Involved

Sponsor the Awards

Partner with the Overt STEM Summit & Awards and showcase your commitment to innovation, inclusion and regional impact. Be part of the Summit and Awards and position your organisation at the heart of STEM leadership across the Arc.

Become a Judge

The Overt STEM Awards are built on credibility, fairness, and expertise. Our judging panel brings together leaders from education, industry, and community to ensure every entry is recognised with integrity.

By joining the panel, you’ll:

  • Play a key role in celebrating the achievements shaping STEM across the Oxford–Cambridge Arc
  • Gain insight into the most innovative projects, organisations, and individuals in the region
  • Be recognised as a thought leader and champion for excellence and inclusion

Email: meena@events-together.co.uk to find out more

MK Conferencing

The Venue

MK Conferencing is a top-class conference and meetings venue located just half a mile from Central Milton Keynes and one mile from the railway station, offering free parking for all guests!

The Summit and Awards will be held at:

MK Conferencing, Strudwick Dr, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes MK6 2TG

Contact us

Media Enquiries: anne@stratos.agency

General Enquiries: meena@events-together.co.uk