The power of ideas: Intellectual property lawyer visits Berkhamsted Prep

What is a scientist? That’s the question Peter Arrowsmith, intellectual property lawyer and parent at Berkhamsted Prep, put to our Year 6s to mark the beginning of STEAM week.

While science is sometimes about putting on a lab coat or looking through a telescope, Peter explained that it encompasses a vast range of professions. Teachers, engineers, lawyers, “people wearing suits and ties” can all be scientists too.

Peter studied astrophysics at university and went on to work with satellites at the European Space Agency. But while he’s done his bit in a lab coat, he now works at an intellectual property law firm.

Intellectual property, Peter explained to the pupils, is “someone’s idea that is turned into something valuable.” He now works with lots of exciting kinds of technology, from quantum computers (the “coolest” business in the universe… literally!) to data centres, GPS and even Aston Martin cars. He helps new technologies get patented and often works with the latest innovations on the cutting edge of science.

“Working in ideas is exciting”, he told pupils. “Inventions can change the world.”

Looking around the room, he reminded pupils that they would be the next generation of inventors. “You can come up with an invention using just your mind and your education,” he said.

What inventions would Berkhamsted pupils come up with to make the world a better place? One pupil suggested an automatic litter deterrent that would stop people before they throw their rubbish on the ground. Others were climate conscious, putting forward ideas about removing plastic from the ocean or tracking levels of deforestation. It’s clear that there’s no shortage of new ideas from our Prep pupils!

A huge thank you to Peter for delivering such an engaging talk and reminding us that there are so many exciting places that STEAM can take you.