Searching for the best of the UK’s young scientists and engineers
Lord Sainsbury’s report 'The Race to the Top' recommended that a National Science Competition should be established as part of National Science and Engineering Week, bringing together existing contests to maximise their impact. The recommendation also suggested a well-publicised final should take part during Science Week and that all school clubs should be eligible for entry.
In order to use resources efficiently and to make maximum impact, the Competition will be the centrepiece of the UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair 2009. This will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March 2009 as the curtain-raiser to National Science and Engineering Week.
All participants in the competitive element of the Fair (around 200 stands) will be entrants to the National Science Competition. The Competition will be inclusive of, and build on, existing activities. We will seek out talent through all the existing STEM competitions, with an additional opportunity for individuals to self-nominate, according to clear criteria.
Ian Pearson, Minister for Science and Innovation said, 'We are working with the science and engineering community to develop a National Science Competition to raise the profile of the excellent achievements of the UK’s young scientists and engineers. We would like all young people to become more engaged with science, technology, engineering and maths as potential interests and careers. This Competition and the Fair will give them a great opportunity and help us to showcase the enormous talent of our inspirational young people in the UK. '
Further details on the criteria and timing for the Competition will be available in September.