An inspirational University of Wolverhampton academic has been chosen as one of the Batonbearers for the forthcoming Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. 

Dr Martin Khechara, an Associate Professor for Engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, will be carrying the baton on part of its journey through the town of Uttoxeter when it reaches the West Midlands on the final leg of its journey to the host City.

 The Queen’s Baton for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay champions the individuality in humanity and celebrates bringing people together.

The Baton is entwined with unique components and displays connectivity to represent the power of collaboration. It will be carried across the country by inspirational Batonbearers in all nine regions of England, each with incredible stories, reflecting the diversity in communities across the country. 

Batonbearers have been chosen because they are always willing to take on a challenge, have made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, the arts, culture or charity, are a figure of inspiration that challenges others to achieve their best and have taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact in their community. 

A former research scientist, Martin specialises in Microbiology and has an international profile for his research. Other than his role as an educator, Martin is a science communicator, presenter, writer and performer who firmly believes in the power of STEM and study at University to change lives. 

Martin actively works in the community to bring the magic of STEM subjects to those that need it the most. 

He said: “It’s a massive honour to be one of the people who will be carrying the Baton across our country and to have been nominated for the work that I do in the community. I have spent the last 10 years showing that a career in STEM can be for everyone no matter who you are or where you are from and to be recognised in this way is very humbling.” 

As it travels, the Baton is inspiring people to come together and host moments of celebration ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Baton has been specially created by designers and technologists from the West Midlands in a unique collaboration that fuses science, technology, engineering and art. 

The shape of the Baton moves away from the traditional shape seen in previous editions of The Queen’s Baton. With Birmingham 2022 making history by being the first major multi-sport event to award more medals to women than men, the strength and fortitude of women across the Commonwealth is celebrated throughout the design of the Baton.