300+ years ago modern physics began right here in the UK with Newton and his discoveries of the laws of gravity and motion.
250 years ago the steam engine was invented by James Watt which revolutionised work intensive tasks.
215 years ago the industrial revolution began here in the UK as iron and steel and textiles were produced.
190 years ago the first railway was built here in the UK which laid the groundwork for mass adoption of rail infastructure across the developed world.
180 years ago Charles Babbage developed the first analytical engine, a mechanical device but it formed the basis for development of computers as we know them today.
160 years ago in the UK, Darwin hypothesised the theory of evolution and natural selection.
125 years ago the UK pioneered the development of the modern sewage treatment plant which helped reduce the spread of disease
90 years ago the first antibiotic was discovered by Alexander Flemming h.ere in the UK
65 years ago the chemical structure of DNA was worked out here in the UK
35 years ago the internet was developed (significant credit goes to UK scientists)
25 years ago the first sheep was cloned in the UK
The UK has been at the forefront of development in the last 300 years thanks to some brilliant minds that have been cultivated. From the scientific revolution, to the transport revolution, through the industrial and economic revolutions, to the financial revolution, this small island has outperformed by being ahead of the curve. I believe this is because in the past we have supported and encouraged abstract thinkers, impressive scholars have been respected and applauded.
The generation of current students carry the hopes of a nation with high expectations. I would encourage anyone going to university now to realise that the opportunity afforded to them in this country allows them to be one of those visionaries. When I see companies like Deepmind developing cutting edge AI I get excited because I feel as though once again the UK is developing the tech of the future. Challenge the status quo and build something powerful, finance as it exists now is such a terrible waste of great talent.