{"id":49717,"date":"2026-08-13T10:44:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rsgb.org\/main\/?p=49717"},"modified":"2026-08-13T10:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:44:35","slug":"september-2026-strategic-priorities-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rsgb.org\/main\/blog\/news\/rsgb-notices\/2026\/08\/13\/september-2026-strategic-priorities-update\/","title":{"rendered":"September 2026 \u2013 Strategic priorities update"},"content":{"rendered":"

I<\/strong>nspiring curiosity across the UK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In this update I\u2019m sharing how long-term strategy, legacy funding and in-person engagement shaped the RSGB\u2019s British Science Week 2026 impact.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

British Science Week<\/strong> <\/a>(BSW) 2026 took place in March, and the RSGB Outreach<\/strong> <\/a>and Youth<\/strong> <\/a>Teams are now reflecting on the significant progress made through years of steady, strategic work to introduce amateur radio to young people through STEM<\/strong><\/a>-based activities and meaningful in-person engagement. With the national theme set as \u201ccuriosity\u201d<\/em>, this year\u2019s achievements represent not a sudden new idea, but the latest step in a multi-year commitment by the Society to engage with youth organisations and community groups across the UK, both remotely and face to face.<\/h4>\n

The RSGB\u2019s involvement in BSW has grown over many years, initially driven by dedicated volunteers within the Society and supportive RSGB HQ staff. This early foundation was strengthened through the contributions of John Hislop, G7OHO and more recently expanded with the dedicated efforts of RSGB BSW Coordinator Professor Ian Neal, G7IGN. Ian played a central role in supporting the groups who took part last year and in helping them develop their activities further for 2026, encouraging both hands-on kit building and in-person amateur radio demonstrations. His work, including a one-page feature in the March RadCom<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>highlights organisations which have embraced amateur radio as part of their STEM offer and shows how direct engagement can spark long-term interest.<\/h4>\n

Building on last year\u2019s foundations<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Although this year\u2019s initiative generated extraordinary interest, it is important to recognise that it built directly on the foundations laid in 2025. Last year, the RSGB distributed a smaller number of FM radio receiver kits, funded by the RSGB Legacy Fund<\/strong> <\/a>and the Radio Communications Foundation<\/strong><\/a> (RCF). Surprisingly, those kits were initially difficult to give away. However, the extensive communications work that followed, showcasing what young people achieved, how organisations used the kits and how volunteers supported them in person, proved pivotal.<\/h4>\n

Those stories inspired confidence, encouraged wider participation and created the momentum that made this year\u2019s expanded offer possible.<\/h4>\n

In 2026, the initiative grew not only in scale but also in scope, with the addition of Morse<\/strong> <\/a>practice kits to broaden the learning experience. This evolution reflects the Society\u2019s long-term strategy: to provide accessible, hands-on pathways into amateur radio that spark curiosity, support STEM learning, and encourage real-world interaction between young people and the amateur radio community.<\/h4>\n

Funding that enabled strategic growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To deliver this expanded programme, the Outreach and Youth Team once again applied for support from the RSGB Legacy Fund and the RCF. Both organisations responded enthusiastically and awarded \u00a32,000, which gave us a combined initial total of \u00a34,000 dedicated to supplying kits to youth groups.<\/h4>\n

When the application form went live on 16 December 2025, the response was immediate and unprecedented. Within 24 hours, 245 applications had been received from STEM clubs, Cadet groups, Scouts, schools, universities, home education networks and after-school programmes. The demand was so strong that the offer had to close the next day.<\/h4>\n

Recognising the scale of interest and the strategic opportunity it represented, the team sought additional funding. Once again, both the Legacy Fund and the RCF stepped forward, each approving a further \u00a32,000. This doubled the total support to \u00a38,000, enabling the Society to reach many more young people than originally planned and to support more opportunities for in-person demonstrations, club visits and community engagement during and after British Science Week.<\/h4>\n

A strategy rooted in long-term development<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The success of this year\u2019s initiative is not simply the result of a popular offer. It is the outcome of:<\/h4>\n