ECU Racing makes a pitstop at Scitech
ECU has joined forces with Scitech to promote Western Australian innovation, science and engineering, aiming to enlighten young minds to the endless possibilities that a career in engineering could offer.
First published by Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has joined forces with Scitech to promote Western Australian innovation, science and engineering, aiming to enlighten young minds to the endless possibilities that a career in engineering could offer.
The Scitech Discovery Centre will host ECU Racing Team’s custom-built Wilson Resolute race car, which earlier this year took the top spot at Formula Student 2024, in the UK, outperforming 55 other Universities from across Europe.
Weighing in at a feather light 164 kilograms, the race car can reach 100km/h in under four seconds. Its innovative rear suspension system, coupled with an efficient aerodynamics package and lightweight composite construction means the vehicle is especially nimble.
The month-long collaboration will include interactive talks featuring ECU Racing Team members and ECU engineering graduates Ashley Ure and Morgan Ure, who are also both Engineers at Scitech.
Ashley Ure, ECU Racing Team Manager, will speak to the design, mechanics and history of the ECU race car, and will offer personal insights into the life of an ECU student engineer and a woman in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) field.
"Being a woman in STEMM, I love demonstrating that engineering is a field open to anyone with curiosity and drive. The inclusion of diverse perspectives further helps push boundaries and foster new ideas. I hope to encourage and inspire more women to explore opportunities in STEMM fields," Ms Ure said.
ECU senior lecturer Dr Kevin Hayward noted that engineering, as a profession, demands creativity to design and build practical solutions to real-world problems.
"In a team like ECU Racing, students develop resilience and adaptability within a collaborative environment. This experience prepares them for a diverse range of future careers.
"These careers drive technological advancements as they tackle complex challenges, propelling societal progress. Designing and building racing cars offers students invaluable hands-on experience. Competing internationally pits them against the world’s best future engineers, and winning is a very welcome bonus," he said.
Scitech is Western Australia's premier science education institution, dedicated to igniting curiosity and fostering engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through innovative, hands-on exhibits, dynamic programs, and engaging events, Scitech makes science accessible and inspiring for all ages.
Scitech's General Manager Exhibitions and Operations William Peng said Scitech was thrilled to be collaborating with ECU to bring the Wilson Resolute race car and its story to Scitech visitors.
"The Wilson Resolute's win is a brilliant example of STEMM in action, requiring mathematic and science ability, creative problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration," Mr Peng said.
"The champion race car highlights how Western Australian engineers and industry are competing on the world stage, and I hope it inspires visitors to see what is possible through STEMM.
"Scitech is committed to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers, and partnering with institutions like ECU to showcase real-life achievements helps us engage and inspire visitors."
As well as seeing the race car on display at Scitech Discovery Centre throughout the summer school holidays, young visitors can build an aerodynamic vehicle using pieces of foam and race friends on the downhill track to see who is a budding automotive engineer.
