WORLD renowned star gazer and super scientist, Professor Brian Cox, will be visiting Dudley College to officially open its new centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies.

The launch of Dudley Advance will focus on science, technology, engineering and math subjects.

During tomorrow's (Friday) event, Professor Cox and year 10 pupils from schools across the Dudley borough, will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on science and engineering fun using the fantastic new facilities and machinery in Dudley Advance.

The professor will also deliver a lecture on ‘Exploring the universe through engineering and science’ to the young people attending.

Activities planned for the school visitors include operating rapid prototyping and 3D scanners, making DNA sequencing bracelets, using maths for code breaking, virtual reality welding, using electronics to build a security alarm and seeing how animals behave using maggot mazes.

Professor Cox said: “Joining in the Dudley Advance launch celebrations is a great opportunity for me to meet so many young people enjoying science related activities in this fantastic new training centre. “Science is so exciting, so fun events like this are a great way to get everybody involved and thinking about the career options science, technology, engineering and maths subjects can offer.

“The launch has provided an excellent opportunity for these young minds to get involved and be inspired to become the next generation of scientists, star-gazers and skilled engineers of the future.”

Lowell Williams, principal at Dudley College, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Professor Cox to the college to launch Dudley Advance, our new Centre for Advance Manufacturing and Engineering Technologies.

“ It’s great to involve Brian in our celebrations as he’s such a prominent advocate for the sciences. He’ll not only make the day memorable for everybody but also help to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life.”

Dudley Advance, which opened on schedule in November 2014, is already providing training facilities for over 500 students on a range of engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships and courses, all directly linked to traditional processes and emerging technologies.