The Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, a prestigious CREST award ceremony for outstanding students, occurs each year. In 2008 the Fair took place at the Centre of the Cell on the opening day of National Science and Engineering Week. (2009 details are to be confirmed). 

Schools attend the Fair and students present their ideas from their CREST projects to a panel of judges; winners are announced depending on the level; bronze, silver and gold. In 2008 we were very pleased to award prizes for inspiring work from a number of fantastic students.

For example, 17-year-old Elisabeth Muller from Bedford High School was one of the winners for her six-week project under the supervision of Dr Mahesh Anand at the Open University in Milton Keynes. As a winner she is now representing the UK at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Copenhagen, alongside two other winners from the Fair. She also secured a place on once-in-a-lifetime voyage on a research ship from New Zealand to the sub-Antarctic Islands.

Alex White, 17, from The King’s School Chester was also awarded the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) prize to attend the world’s largest pre-college science competition in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His 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.

The Fair each year also has an exhibition area with stands from other science and engineering organisations, and a wide range of hands on activities, displays, talks and workshops.

"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. It is terrific to see this all come together at the Fair and I hope that many more young people will have this opportunity in the future."

Sir David King, President of the BA

Details for 2009 will be announced shortly.