Young people sought for city science project celebration

One of the largest celebrations of young talent in the country is now gearing up for an influx of entries as organisers of the Big Bang Yorkshire and Humber scout for the best Stem projects to showcase at the forthcoming extravaganza.

The Big Bang Yorkshire and Humber is one of 12 events held annually across the UK which seek to celebrate young people’s achievements in science, technology, engineering and maths.

More than 1,000 participants from Yorkshire and Humber alone are to descend on York Minster in July.

Young people who submit their projects will have the opportunity to show off their designs to hundreds of young people, parents and teachers attending the regional fair.

A panel of judges will select the best and regional winners will be nominated to go through to a national heat to become UK Young Scientist or Young Engineer for Britain, winning prizes of up to £2000.

Forty schools and clubs have already signed up to showcase the work of their students and the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP), which is lead organiser of the Regional Fair, is urging more to get involved.

“This is a chance for our young people in the region to shine,” said NYBEP adviser Yvonne Emerson.

“The Big Bang Yorkshire and Humber hosts the regional finals of some of the UK’s largest national award schemes in Stem including the prestigious National Science and Engineering Competition, Crest and Young Engineer for Britain.”

A three-strong partnership forged between NYBEP, Science City York (SCY) and York Minster successfully led the bid last year for York to be the region’s host city over the next three years.

SCY chief executive Nicola Spence said: “It’s a real coup that we are bringing this fantastic event to York.”

Canon Jonathan Draper, York Minster, added: “Bringing young people into the Minster, especially this time to explore science and technology, is wonderful. The Minster will be abuzz with ideas and ambition and it looks set to be a truly inspirational event.”