This document summarizes Laser Quantum's involvement in an initiative to encourage female students to pursue careers in physics. Laser Quantum partnered with a local girls' high school where 4 students worked on designing a prototype cutting press at Laser Quantum's facility. The project aimed to give the students real-world experience in the physics industry and culminated in an assessment day where the students presented their work. Laser Quantum received awards for encouraging young scientists and promoting women in the male-dominated physics field. A representative from Laser Quantum said the company is always looking to spark interest in photonics and support women in physics.

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PRESS RELEASE
Date: 29th
June 2016
Title: Shaping the future of scientists
Promoting women in physics and sharing the interest of the industry
Stockport, England: Manchester-based Laser Quantum has recently been involved in
an initiative to encourage students to further their interest in physics through a project-
based collaboration. Laser Quantum was paired with Manchester High Schools for
Girls, where 4 girls worked alongside Laser Quantum’s Natasha Cutmore to design and
develop a prototype cutting press. They spent time at the company, gaining a real
insight into the opportunities available within the physics industry. The project
culminated with an assessment day in which the students had to write a report, present
a poster and attend an assessment interview justifying their procedures.
Laser Quantum was awarded two certificates for its collaboration, the ‘Engineering
Educational Scheme’ award from the EDT and a ‘Gold Award Certificate’ from the
Industrial Cadets. Both of these awards show the organisations dedication to the
community and encouragement for young scientists of the future to follow a career in
physics.
Natasha Cutmore, project lead for Laser Quantum, said ‘I’m very impressed with the
work and effort put in by the students on the project and the passion they have for this
subject. The physics industry is under represented by women, so it is great to work with
4 girls who are so enthusiastic. Hazel Stephenson from MEL chemicals, who did a
speech at the assessment day, was very inspiring and I think the whole scheme was a
success.’
Amy Howard, Laser Quantum’s representative for the assessment panel said ‘The
scheme is fantastic – the students are so enthusiastic, engaged and creative with their
project solutions, it is wonderful to see. I was a student on this scheme in 2009/10 and it
was a great experience and sparked my interest in physics, so it is nice to now be
involved on the assessment side.’

2. Laser Quantum is always looking to encourage an interest in the photonics industry and
promote women in physics, especially in such a male orientated industry.
About Laser Quantum: Laser Quantum is headquartered in Stockport,
Manchester, and creates robust and high quality lasers, using innovative optical
technologies. It provides worldwide researchers with the tools they need to advance
scientific knowledge and understanding, and allowing OEM manufacturers to improve
the capability and reliability of their products. With industry-leading lifetimes and
specifications, Laser Quantum lasers are suited to numerous research and industrial
applications. For more information, visit: Laser Quantum
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