The UK’s top young STEM stars from The Big Bang Competition, were invited to Westminster for Big Bang at Parliament! It was an incredible opportunity for students to meet MPs, Lords, and role models from the engineering community, including Siemens, who support the technology stream of The Big Bang Competition.
12 talented students from 6 schools across the UK attended, showcasing their impressive projects to Parliamentarians and guests. Among them were the students from Olchfa School in Swansea, winners of the junior technology award, supported by Siemens. Their fast fashion project wowed the audience, as did Betsey Ellis from Invicta Grammar in Maidstone, Kent. Betsey’s AI travel project earned her the Civil Aviation Authority Future in Aviation Award.
Also joining were Eva-Marie Pornaris from Tottenham, who shared her impressive Epi-pen design, and Sam Fricker from Surrey, who demonstrated his portable water pollution probe, AQUABlu.
A special highlight was Pacha Pritchard, from Cardiff, who was named the UK Young Engineer of the Year 2024 at The Big Bang Competition. Pacha introduced her portable pollution monitor, which uses emojis to indicate air quality. In her speech, Pacha shared,
“Growing up, I’ve watched pollution and climate change affect people’s lives and health, and I knew I wanted to make a difference. Engineering has given me the tools to create solutions to real-world problems, and The Big Bang Competition gave me the platform to turn my curiosity into a project that could bring positive change.”
Toby Perkins, Labour MP for Chesterfield, who hosted the event, praised the finalists: “Your passion and enthusiasm for STEM is inspirational and gives me real hope for the future, both for our country and for the fields of engineering and science.”
The next Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition is now open for entries, and the Big Bang team can’t wait to celebrate even more STEM ideas and projects.
Dr. Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, congratulated the students, saying, “You truly are STEM superstars. We need more young people to be excited about STEM and to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Programs like The Big Bang Competition and events like today are crucial in sparking that excitement. We work with over 350 organizations to inspire young minds, but we’d love to partner with even more to ensure we inspire the next generation of engineers.”
Growing up, I’ve watched pollution and climate change affect people’s lives and health, and I knew I wanted to make a difference. Engineering has given me the tools to create solutions to real-world problems, and The Big Bang Competition gave me the platform to turn my curiosity into a project that could bring positive change.
— Pacha Pritchard, Big Bang UK Young Engineer of the Year 2024