the-BA : ISEF success 2008

Image of Alex White at his project stand at Intel ISEF 2008

Chester student Alex White, who competed at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta, USA, last week, scooped $3500 (£1788) after winning two chemistry prizes.

Alex, 17, from the King's School Chester achieved second place in the American Chemical Society Prize and came fourth overall in the main ceremony Chemistry Awards. His success is impressive: Intel ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition and Alex was competing among over 1,500 students from more than 40 nations across the globe.

Alex gained his place to attend the international event at the UK Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair organised by the BA in March, for his CREST Award project. During a four week summer placement at the University of Liverpool, funded by a Nuffield Bursary, he analysed the synthesis and catalytic properties of a novel group of materials that have the potential to be used as safer, more environmentally friendly catalysts in chemical reactions widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. His work was of such high quality that his supervisor, Dr Andrew Fogg, has since presented Alex’s research at a chemistry symposium in Mexico.

Speaking of his success, Alex said: 'I am overjoyed at winning such a prestigious prize. I would like to thank Dr Andrew Fogg at the University of Liverpool for allowing me the opportunity to undertake the research and for all the support he has given me. I hope that my achievements can inspire more young people to pursue a career in science.'

Annette Smith, Director of the Young People's Programme at the BA, said: 'We are delighted for Alex. This success at an international event is a truly fantastic achievement. It is further evidence for the role of project awards such as CREST in nurturing the talent of our young scientists and engineers.'

The BA would like to thank Intel for sponsoring the trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair, and Research Councils UK and AstraZeneca for their sponsorship of CREST.

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