the-BA : BA Press Release - 21 February 2007

For immediate release

A young scientist from Scotland has found an answer to the energy wastage problem caused by leaving TVs and other electrical equipment on standby – a gadget that detects when they aren’t in use and switches them off automatically. The solution was developed as part of a CREST Award Scheme project and is amongst the entries to this year’s prestigious national BA CREST Science Fair to be held on 23 February at the Royal Society, London.

The fair, which is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) showcases some of the best science and technology projects from students aged 11-19 across the UK. It will see the cream of the country’s top young scientists competing for a number of prizes, including the chance to attend international science fairs in the US and Spain.

Galen Brown from Stromness Academy, Orkney, has already applied for a patent for his device. Other projects this year include an investigation into the best method to remove gum from pavements, research into the expression of cannabinoid enzymes in bone tissue and their implication in osteoporosis, and a garment that provides early warning of excess sun exposure.

Lord Browne of Madingley, President of the BA says: ‘We know that young people get a terrific boost from taking part in CREST awards, not just in developing their science and technology knowledge and skills but also by working in teams and getting the opportunity to direct their projects. The CREST Science Fair adds another enjoyable dimension to this with the opportunity to compete and to connect with others. Events like this help with the decisions that these outstanding young people are going to make about their future careers.’

At the fair, budding scientists will present their projects to a panel of judges including research scientists, and will have the opportunity to win trips to prestigious international science fairs across the globe and receive cash prizes for the school’s science department.

The BA would like to thank AstraZeneca and Research Councils UK for their sponsorship of CREST, and the Royal Society and Intel for their support with the event.

ENDS

For further information and contact details for the schools, please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) exists to advance the understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. This means helping create a social climate in which science, and the organisations dependent on it, advances with the involvement and active support of non-scientists. We aim to promote openness about science in society and to affirm science as a prime cultural force by engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. The BA CREST Science Fair will take place at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG. For further details, please contact the BA Press Office.

3. The BA CREST Awards are a project-based award scheme for secondary-age students aiming to recognise and accredit students' achievements in science, engineering and technology. More information is available at www.the-ba.net/crest.

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