the-BA : BA Press Release 21 May 2008

Image of Alex White at his project stand at Intel ISEF 2008

For Immediate Release
21 May 2008

Chester student Alex White has scooped $3500 (£1788) after winning two chemistry prizes at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta, USA. He was one of only two UK students to win at the international fair which has been termed ‘the Olympics of science competitions’.

Alex, 17, from The King’s School, Chester, achieved second place in the American Chemical Society Prize and came fourth overall in the main ceremony Chemistry Awards. His success is impressive: Intel ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition and Alex was competing among over 1,500 students from more than 40 nations across the globe during the event that ran from 11-16 May.

Alex gained his place to attend the international event at the UK Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in March, for his CREST Award project. During a four week summer placement at the University of Liverpool, funded by a Nuffield Bursary, he analysed the synthesis and catalytic properties of a novel group of materials that have the potential to be used as safer, more environmentally friendly catalysts in chemical reactions widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. His work was of such high quality that his supervisor, Dr Andrew Fogg, has since presented Alex’s research at a chemistry symposium in Mexico.

Speaking of his success, Alex said: ‘I am overjoyed at winning such a prestigious prize. I would like to thank Dr Andrew Fogg at the University of Liverpool for allowing me the opportunity to undertake the research and for all the support he has given me. I hope that my achievements can inspire more young people to pursue a career in science.’

Annette Smith, Director of the Young People's Programme at the BA, said: 'We are delighted for Alex. This success at an international event is a truly fantastic achievement. It is further evidence for the role of project awards such as CREST in nurturing the talent of our young scientists and engineers.'

The BA would like to thank Intel for sponsoring the trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair, and Research Councils UK and AstraZeneca for their sponsorship of CREST.

ENDS

For images and further information please contact:

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

Note for editors

1. About the BA
The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, 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. About the Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair
The Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair 2008 took place at the Centre for the Cell in Whitechapel, London, on Friday 7 March, the first day of National Science and Engineering Week. The annual event celebrates the impressive accomplishments of students aged 11-19 participating in the CREST Awards and associated schemes. Students have the opportunity to win trips to prestigious international science fairs across the globe and receive cash prizes for themselves and their schools. Over 28,000 students aged 11-19 from across the UK participated in the CREST Award Scheme in 2007. 51 projects made it to the national fair after winning at one of 12 regional finals or via selection by a scientific review committee.

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

4. Intel® in Education
In today’s society, education is critical for students to develop key 21st century skills such as familiarity with information and communication technology (ICT), along with excelling in mathematics, and science and engineering so that they are able to function in, and shape, the world ahead. Intel currently invests over $100 million per year in over 50 countries to promote education efforts in these areas. www.intel.co.uk/education

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