Three young people embarked on special trips to some of the most prestigious scientific facilities in the world, thanks to Research Councils UK (RCUK).
As prize winners at the National Science + Engineering Competition 2012 at the Big Bang Fair 2012, Kirtana Vallabhaneni, Wasim Miah and Saoirse Nash were each treated to exclusive scientific trips provided by RCUK where they had an opportunity to meet with scientists and take part in exciting experiments.
Wasim Miah’s design of a smaller and cheaper foetal contraction monitor with a fellow student earned him the title of Young Engineer of the Year. The ‘experience’ part of his prize was to visit CERN in Geneva where he built a cloud chamber, met theorist John Ellis, discussed engineering careers at CERN with Ray Veness, and learnt more about cloud computing. “This visit has beaten all my expectations”, he said. “You wouldn’t believe the engineering that has gone into experiments like CMS, the Compact Muon Solenoid!”
Young Scientist of the Year winner Kirtana Vallabhaneni visited the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma. She won the award because of her involvement with a research project aimed at identifying the harmful cells that cause pancreatic cancer.
The visit enabled Kirtana to explore other areas of science, interact with scientists and observe astronomers at work on the ING telescope one evening. She added: “Being able to discuss the findings and telescopes with astronomers who were highly passionate about their work was an inspiring experience. I would like to thank RCUK for giving me the opportunity to go on this fantastic trip!” Read more about Kirtana’s experience in her RCUK blog post.
RCUK also runs its own award for Best Use of Research within the National Science + Engineering Competition. The prize for this year’s winner, Saoirse Nash, was a trip to Diamond Light Source – the UK’s national synchrotron science facility in Oxfordshire, where she had the chance to see crystals through a high-magnification microscope. Saoirse won the award after developing a hand-held indicator which shows the levels of active ingredients present in medication using a colour chart. This would be used by consumers who are paying for prescriptions or are purchasing prescribed medicines over the internet.
Saoirse said: “The whole trip has been overwhelming and has expanded my thinking about other possible career paths that I had never thought about before.”
Dr Kerry Leslie, Head of RCUK Public Engagement with Research, said: “RCUK believes that inspiring the next generation of researchers is vital to the future prosperity of the UK and brings major benefits to our economic and social wellbeing. Opportunities such as the National Science + Engineering Competition are giving young people a chance to experience what their future career could be.”
The National Science + Engineering Competition is coordinated by the British Science Association and is open to all 11-18 year olds living in the UK and in full-time education. The Competition rewards students who have achieved excellence in a science, technology, engineering or maths project. Entries are now open for the online application of the Competition and close on 31 October 2012.
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Notes to editors
Kirtana Vallabhaneni has written a blog about her experiences at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma on the RCUK blog site.
Registration for the Big Bang Fair 2013 opens in October and the Fair will be running from 14 to 17 March 2013. Further information is available from www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.
The British Science Association coordinates the National Science + Engineering Competition in partnership with The Big Bang Fair and Young Engineers. The Competition is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). A number of institutions and organisations also provide specific additional prizes for Competition winners. The Competition is open to 11-18 year olds from across the UK who completed a project or activity in any field of science, technology, engineering or maths. For more information, visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/nsec.cfm
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).