Awards for young scientists and engineers

‘My project really confirmed to me that I want to pursue a career in chemical research,’ said Alexander White from the King’s School in Chester. He was, said the judges, the ‘clear winner’ of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) prize to attend the world’s largest pre-college science competition in Atlanta, Georgia. 

His award was one of 19 presented at the Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair for science and technology projects conceived and carried out by school students between the ages of 11 and 19. More than 28,000 schoolchildren across the UK entered the competition, which has evolved from the BA CREST Science Fair.

Catalysts

Alex’s project analysed the synthesis and catalytic properties of a novel group of materials. He found that they have potential to be used as catalysts in safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical reactions widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. ‘I applied to the Nuffield Foundation and joined Dr Andrew Fogg for four weeks over summer at the University of Liverpool,’ he said. ‘It was a great opportunity to get into a lab and work alongside PhD students and take my skills beyond A-level.’

Alex was accompanied by his researcher father, Dr Bill White, as, on the day of the Fair, Andrew Fogg was presenting Alex’s work at a chemistry symposium in Mexico. 

Meteorite

Budding geologist Elisabeth Muller, from Bedford High School, won awards which will enable her to represent the UK at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Copenhagen (alongside two other winners from the Fair), and join a research ship from New Zealand to the sub-Antarctic Islands. Her project analysed the mineralogy of a lunar meteorite over four billion years old. The solar system was forming at this time, and the meteorite may yield clues about how the moon and Earth formed.

Elisabeth carried out her Nuffield Bursary-funded project under the supervision of Dr Mahesh Anand at the Open University in Milton Keynes. ‘Now l’ve got an appreciation for what research is actually like, because you can have these romantic ideas that scientists make discoveries every day. I discovered that it’s hard work but definitely satisfying,’ she said. 

Dyes, steps and more

Other, younger entrants investigated the durability of natural dyes; made a product enabling both able-bodied and disabled people to climb steps; and produced a ‘thermo-spoon’ that alerts users when food is too hot for infants. Many of the projects involved consulting the public, for example to find out what they knew about bird flu, or what features they wanted to see in an alarm which protects students’ possessions in halls of residence.

President of the BA, Sir David King, said: ‘The achievement of the young people who gain these prizes is not just winning an exciting trip or a handsome trophy. In completing their projects they have been able to work like real scientists and engineers, and to find out for themselves how enjoyable and rewarding that can be.’

Wendy Barnaby, Editor