Tag: James Gillespie's High School

Edinburgh school team set to represent Scotland on world stage in Singapore

  • Catalyst Sterna Racing will complete a multi-year STEM Racing journey on the world stage after becoming Scottish regional champions and securing qualification for Singapore.

Catalyst Sterna Racing, a three-member team from James Gillespie’s High School, Edinburgh,  is preparing to compete against the world’s leading young STEM Racing teams at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026 in Singapore.

Catalyst Sterna Racing’s journey began with third place at the Scottish regionals in Development Class in 2023–24 and second place at the 2024 UK National Finals.

After narrowly missing national qualification the following season, the team returned in 2025–26 as Scottish regional champions, won Fastest Car regionally and secured the Scottish National Champions award at the UK National Finals to qualify for Singapore.

Its technical work includes braced wheel spokes designed to reduce wheel mass and moment of inertia, with the aim of limiting wheel slip at launch. The team has also developed a deliberately unconventional “Pods²” concept as it looks to push beyond increasingly similar car designs.

Jess Lockwood-Holmes, Team Manager for Catalyst Sterna Racing said: “We are most excited about simply competing and representing Scotland on the world stage. We are here to finish our STEM Racing journey with a bang in Singapore.”

The team is also balancing World Finals preparation with a major life transition: its members qualified only months before leaving school and are now beginning university studies. They see Singapore as the opportunity to complete their STEM Racing journey while representing Scotland.

The World Finals will bring together more than 500 students aged 13 to 19 in 90-plus teams from 34 countries across all five continents. Held on Sentosa Island alongside the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the competition features around 200 races on a four-lane track and 540 judging sessions covering engineering, enterprise, design, project management and other disciplines.

Teams design and build a 1:25 scale model Formula 1 car, race it and present their work to judges while operating in a way that mirrors a real F1 team. Cars are checked against strict technical regulations before racing, while engineering portfolios, enterprise documents and project management plans are assessed over four days of competition.

Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, STEM Racing, said: “Every year, the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals showcases not only exceptional engineering talent but also the creativity, resilience and collaboration of young people from every corner of the globe.

“They don’t just design and manufacture a miniature car – they build a business with a team that has every member contributing to its success.”

The World Champions title can open doors to university scholarships, Formula 1 careers and a global network of industry connections.

The event is supported by title sponsor Aramco and partners including Denford, Autodesk, Ansys, Maaden, Singapore Grand Prix, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, UCL Mechanical Engineering, Singapore Tourism Board and the FIA.

Empowering the future of medical research

MEDICAL RESEARCH SCOTLAND INSPIRES OVER 1,400 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LIVE-STREAMED EVENTS

Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped over 1,400 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.  

The Medical Research Scotland virtual academy has had a significant impact on the education and career prospects of pupils across Scotland. With participation from over 1,400 students from 36 schools spanning from Aberdeen to the Scottish Borders, the academy has successfully engaged students with an interest in STEM subjects. The primary goal for the academy is to address the shortage of STEM skills in Scotland by providing students with interactive experience and exposure to medical research. 

S4, S5 & S6 pupils from schools across Scotland joined each Friday morning for a month of live streamed weekly interactive lessons, which were broadcasted straight to their science classrooms, allowing pupils to watch from the comfort of their own learning environments. Throughout the course, students were treated to a range of inspiring and insightful presentations from scientists, lecturers, and PhD students whose studies were funded by Medical Research Scotland.  

The academy is a free tool that was delivered virtually and is also available to be streamed on demand making it a versatile resource that can be utilised throughout teaching schedules.

One school that benefitted from the Medical Research Scotland Academy virtual webinar series was James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh.

Pupils here gained the opportunity to learn about medical research into viruses, pharmaceuticals, how medical research was an integral part of combatting the global pandemic and much more from previous and present PhD students from the University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Dundee.  

Iain Coltart, Head of Science at James Gillespie’s High School, said: “I am thrilled to see the incredible impact of the Medical Research Scotland Academy on our pupils.

“Through this programme, our students have gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge medical research, engaging with leading experts in the field and deepening their understanding of scientific concepts.  

“The learning experience and exposure to real-world medical research has ignited their passion for science. We are grateful for this unique opportunity that has empowered our students and inspired them to pursue careers in the field of medical research.” 

Professor Heather Wallace, Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “As Chair of Medical Research Scotland, I take pride in Scotland’s rich heritage of producing world-class research scientists who have made ground-breaking discoveries and contributed to global health advancements.  

“The goal of the Medical Research Scotland Academy is to inspire and foster connections between the next generation of aspiring medical professionals and valued academics in Scotland. We have witnessed the immense enthusiasm for medical science among school leavers from various schools across the country, and it is truly gratifying to see.” 

Medical Research Scotland is dedicated to advancing health in Scotland and beyond through the support of cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.  

To join us in our mission, please visit our website at: 

medicalresearchscotland.org.uk 

and explore ways to contribute. 

If you would like to view this year’s Medical Research Scotland academy webinars, please visit: medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.