A team of young engineers from communities often overlooked in STEM are now representing Scotland on national robotics stages. P4F Robotics brings together young people aged 10-to–18 to design, build and programme robots while developing confidence, teamwork and leadership through youth-led learning.
The team has twice won the Scottish title at the international FIRST Tech Challenge UK (2024 and 2025), progressing to national finals at Cambridge University and London’s Copper Box Arena.
Young people shape the design of their robots, develop competition strategies and mentor new members joining the team. For many, the programme has sparked a passion for engineering, coding and technology – opening pathways into careers they had never previously considered.
Young women across Scotland are challenging how artificial intelligence impacts their lives and rights. Through Young Women Lead, participants explored the gendered impacts of AI and developed practical knowledge to challenge digital harms and influence policy.
Working with the Scottish AI Alliance and global experts, the group created a Guide to AI, helping young women understand issues including deepfakes, online abuse and digital rights.
The guide launched at an event attended by 70+ representatives from government, tech and the third sector, with young women leading presentations and discussions. Their work is now informing wider conversations about digital safety and gender equality.
Ainsley Carnarvon is helping redefine how digital youth work supports young people to navigate the online world. Through the Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre, he created Cyber Detectives, an immersive programme where young people solve digital scenarios and learn practical strategies for managing online risks.
Young people analyse case studies based on real online experiences, developing skills to challenge misinformation, manage privacy risks and respond to online conflict.
Alongside this work, Ainsley helped introduce the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics programme in Scotland, expanding access to advanced STEM opportunities within youth work settings.
