These colourful illustrations capture volunteers’ inspiring stories of different routes to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

During Bradford Science Festival 2018, a diverse group of volunteers known as STEM Ambassadors gave short, inspirational ‘Lightning Talks’. Each 5-minute speech was captured by artists from the Oldham Play Action Group. They sketched as the Ambassadors spoke, creating colourful visual records.

Speaking candidly and openly, the Ambassadors talked about how they managed to establish a career in their professions—sometimes against all odds.

This display coincides with British Science Week 2019, which takes place between 9–18 March.