the-BA : BA Press Release 18 May 2006

Lydia Arnold, 18, from Derbyshire has won the Patent and Trademark Office Society prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) that took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Lydia was one of two outstanding BA CREST Award winners who earned their places to represent the UK by competing at ISEF against 1,500 of the brightest and most talented youngsters from around the world. All of whom had to be winners from a national science fair, in Lydia’s case this was the BA CREST Science Fair.

Commenting on her achievement, Lydia said: “I was really surprised when I heard my name called out because there were 1,500 students and all of their projects were outstanding. I was honoured to win a prize in an international competition. I am absolutely delighted!”

Lydia had to present her project to no fewer than 12 judges for a gruelling duration of 15 minutes per judge. She was commended for her outstanding originality, analysis, and clarity in science and technology with her laser-assisted robotic hand project. The robotic hand is controlled by the movements of the user’s own hand and mimics them. It employs a completely original control system that uses fibre optics. Applications for the technology include remote operations in hazardous environments and prosthetic limbs.

Sharmilla Banerjee, Young People's Programme Manager at the BA, who runs the BA CREST Awards said: “We are delighted for Lydia at winning at an international event. It highlights the talent and ingenuity of our young scientists and engineers.”

ENDS
For further information please contact:
Fai Lee, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: fai.lee@the-ba.net

Notes for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) exists to create a positive social climate in which science, and the organisations dependent on it, advances with public consent and with the involvement and active support of non-scientists. We seek to achieve that by connecting science with people: promoting openness about science in society and affirming science as a prime cultural force through engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net

2. BA CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) is a nationally recognized accreditation scheme for project work in the fields of science and technology. Aimed at students aged 11 – 19, BA CREST awards encourage students to develop their scientific curiosity, problem-solving and communication skills. Through a mentoring system, the scheme facilitates links between schools and industry or higher education. It enables students of all abilities to explore real scientific, engineering and technological problems for themselves and promotes work-related learning. BA CREST awards motivate students, build confidence and encourage them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

3. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college celebration of science. Held annually in May, the Intel ISEF brings together nearly 1,500 students from more than 40 nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a $50,000 college scholarship. For more information visit: www.sciserv.org/isef/

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