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Royal recognition for EdTech firm that supports universities worldwide
A Bristol-founded education technology firm has received a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its innovation in digital science learning.
LearnSci, founded in 2007 in Bristol by scientists John Eastman and Bill Heslop alongside engineer Tony Baldwin, was presented with the award by His Majesty’s lord-lieutenant Peaches Golding.
The event was also attended by Kalpna Woolf, high sheriff of Bristol.
The team dedicated the honour to their staff and late sales consultant Stan Mitchell, who had encouraged them to apply for the award.
The EdTech firm has received a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its innovation in digital science learning
John Eastman said: “We are delighted to receive this award. We could not have done it without the support of all our team, including those who are no longer with us.”
Bill Heslop added: “Stan believed in the company and team from day one and persuaded us to apply for the award, for which we are extremely grateful.”
The inspiration for LearnSci emerged while John was studying for his PhD at the University of Bristol.
Born out of collaboration with the University of Bristol, the company develops bespoke simulated and interactive laboratory resources that help bring practical science teaching online.
Its tools, used around the world, provide immediate feedback, reduce marking workloads and have been shown to boost average student grades by more than 10 per cent while improving confidence.
In 2010, a project they worked on with the University of Bristol was named the Times Higher Education (THE) Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year.
Now employing 30 specialists and supporting thousands of university students worldwide from its Bristol base in Orchard Court in St Augustine’s Yard, LearnSci was one of just 47 organisations nationally to receive the award.
The learning tools developed by the firm have been used by over 100 universities worldwide which include the University of Bristol, University of Oxford, University of Glasgow, Universidad Europea and the University of Sydney.
Tony Baldwin, who studied audio and video engineering, created and built interactive online skills training using the latest technology.
He said: “It has been a challenge in the education sector to move from a traditional approach to learning which has been in place for hundreds of years.
“We helped our partners to adapt to new technology during a time of change and uncertainty. The move enhances student engagement and success.”
LearnSci was founded in Bristol back in 2007 by friends John Eastman, Bill Heslop and Tony Baldwin
The firm has navigated challenges including the rapid shift to online learning during the pandemic and continues to adapt to emerging technologies, recently achieving ISO 27001 certification for information security.
All photos: LearnSci
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