Around
the UK at the moment thousands of young people are waiting for exam results that
will take them onto higher education and after that the career of their choice.
Two people who already have a good idea of where their futures lie are Thomas Hearing
and Shawn Brown who were recently awarded the titles of UK Young Scientist and UK
Young Engineer of the Year respectively.
Tom and Shawn were selected as winners at the annual National Science & Engineering
Competition earlier this year where they competed against over 300 other budding
scientists and engineers. The awards celebrate the hard work and achievements of
young people across the UK and seek to inspire them to continue their personal development
in these disciplines.
Part of Tom and Shawn’s prize was a trip to the world renowned Roque de Los Muchachos
Observatory in La Palma provided by Research Councils UK (RCUK). This trip, which
they undertook together, was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see first hand
one of the major international facilities that are available to UK researchers.
Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts said: “Congratulations to Tom
and Shawn on winning the National Science and Engineering Competition. These two
students are inspirational and we need more people like this to rise to the challenges
of the future. This is a great example of exciting places science and engineering
can take you to.”
UK Young Scientist of the Year Tom Hearing had this to say about the experience:
“The trip was amazing and the observatory unlike anything else I have seen. The
telescopes were very impressive and all the scientists and assistants were really
helpful. I want to thank RCUK as this is one of the most impressive experiences
I have ever had!”
UK Young Engineer of the Year Shawn Brown was equally inspired and said: “The
trip was quite simply superb. From an engineering perspective it was fascinating
to be able to discuss some of the more practical construction elements of a telescope,
with the very man who built one!”
RCUK believe 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.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes to editors
-
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's
seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our
focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research,
as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage.
Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering
international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and
infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments.
Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and
the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers
and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, 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).
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The National Science & Engineering Competition is an initiative of
the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as a response to a recommendation
in Lord Sainsbury’s report ‘The Race to the Top’. It is coordinated by the British
Science Association in partnership with Young Engineers and The Big Bang. The
Competition, open to all 11-18 year olds, accepts projects from all areas of
science, technology, engineering and maths. The 2010-11 round of the Competition
is now accepting entries and the finals will be held at The Big Bang. For more
information or to enter go to
http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/nsec/