Tag: STEM NEXT

Scottish charity unveil Winners of Global Essay Competition

Global Students Tackle the Future of STEM in TechFest’s STEM NEXT Competition

  • Scottish charity, TechFest, has revealed the winners of its essay competition, STEM Next, which saw students aged 16-18 from around the world submit their innovative ideas on the future of industries in energy, medicine and science.  
  • The competition inspired 715 students worldwide, with winners across a variety of categories and nations including England, Bharain, India and the USA. 
  • Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “We’re not just watching the next generation take their seats, we’re watching them reshape the table entirely, redefining what’s possible in energy, medicine, and science.” 

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Scotland’s leading STEM charity, TechFest has announced the winners of its global essay competition, STEM Next, which saw students competitively discuss topics in energy, medicine, and science.  

The individual writing competition invited students aged 16-18 across the world to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addressed one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy & Innovation, Medicine & Psychology and Chemistry & Biological Sciences. 

A record-breaking 715 secondary school students from 39 countries took part in this year’s global competition, showcasing TechFest’s growing impact in inspiring the next generation of STEM talent across the UK and beyond. Among them were 612 participants from the UK, with the winners and runners-up in the different categories representing England, Bahrain, Indiaand the USA. 

Nine talented students were recognised in the international essay competition, with the top three essays in each category awarded Amazon vouchers: £200 for first place, £100 for second, and £50 for third. 

Winners include Vikrant Shetty Tomar, Maximilian Newlands, and Ishan Garg in Energy & Innovation; Yeva Kolobova, Ariane Edwards, and Sanvi Krishnan in Medicine & Psychology; and Louie Francis, Hana Ahmed, and Serah Abraham in Chemistry & Biology.  

Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “The calibre of young people taking part in the STEM Next essay competition has been truly inspiring.

“Their drive, curiosity, and passion for science and technology are evident in every submission. The dedication and creativity these young people demonstrate in their essay submissions underscore the strength and promise of the next generation of leaders in STEM.” 

The STEM industry is facing huge employment challenges over the next decade due to young people not choosing STEM as a career pathway. TechFest’s inspirational initiatives are making STEM education more engaging and inclusive throughout the nation, with this year’s competition seeing an uptake of 146 secondary pupils. 

All participants who competed in the STEM Next competition are also eligible for CREST Awards; providing an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. 

In addition, STEM NEXT develops young people’s research and writing skills while connecting them with industry professionals for first-hand insight. 

This year’s edition was delivered in partnership with CNOOC International, Serica Energy, SSE, and Thistle Wind Partners (TWP), the programme inspires the next generation of STEM innovators.  

Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Engineer at CNOOC, said: “At CNOOC International, promoting safe and sustainable energy goes hand in hand with STEM Next, where this year’s competition revealed innovative solutions from exceptional young talent.” 

Aberdeen , Scotland, Wednesday, 28 May 2025 TechFest Picture by Michal Wachucik/Abermedia – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow

Mike Seaton, Coire Glas Project Director at SSE, said: “STEM NEXT is shaping the skilled workforce needed to tackle future challenges.

“We are overjoyed we could a part and mentor the young minds who will make up the future workforce in STEM industries.” 

Ian Taylor, Project Director at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “Encouraging the next generation in STEM is at the heart of what we do at TWP. 

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed supporting TechFest’sSTEM Next competition and celebrating the achievements of this year’s winners.” 

Elise Murray, Environmental and Compliance at Serica Energy, said: “Serica Energy is committed to driving a responsible energy transition and we believe STEM NEXT has offered remarkable insight through the fresh perspectives of young people.”

STEM NEXT: Students invited to enter Annual Essay Competition hosted by Scottish charity

  • Scottish charity TechFest invites students aged 16-18 worldwide to enter STEM NEXT, its annual essay competition celebrating ideas and passions in science, arts or humanities. 
  • TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 
  • Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “I’ve met so many young people with brilliant ideas and real potential to drive change, especially in STEM, but often they don’t see it in themselves. Through the STEM NEXT competition, we’re not just offering a challenge, we’re giving them the support and real-world connections to help them build confidence and see a future for themselves in these industries.”

Scottish charity, TechFest, challenges students from around the world to take part in its annual essay competition, STEM NEXT, as part of its mission to empower young people to share their ideas across science, arts and humanities. 

Students aged 16–18 are invited to submit a 1000-3000 word essay on a topic of their choice within one of the three main categories: Energy & Innovation, Medicine & Psychology or Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  

The competition presents an independent challenge for students, offering them a platform to sharpen their research and writing skills while building better critical thinking and communication, which prove to be essential for future studies and careers. 

Besides promoting and developing research, analysis, and communication skills within the participants, the solo digital competition offers them a unique chance to interview and engage directly with industry professionals, gaining valuable first-hand insight into their chosen field.  

The project, held in partnership with CNOOC International, Serica Energy, SSE Renewables and Thistle Wind Partnership, will officially commence on the 16th of June with the deadline for submissions 29th of August.  

TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 

Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “The STEM NEXT competition isn’t just about essays, it’s about unlocking the potential of young people who are genuinely excited about STEM but often unsure of where to start. 

“As someone involved in this project, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is for students to have a role model. Someone they can talk to directly, learn from, and show them that a career in STEM is within reach. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, to watch a young child’s confidence grow and know you played a part.” 

Mike Seaton, Project Director, Coire Glas at SSE Renewables said: “STEM NEXT is helping develop the skilled talent we’ll need to tackle real-world challenges.

“That’s why we believe it’s vital to engage young minds early, encouraging them to think creatively and practically about the future, especially as we work towards a more sustainable, renewable energy landscape.” 

Victoria Allan, Mechanical Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “We’re eager to hear bold, practical ideas from young minds who will shape the future.

“We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions this year’s participants bring to the table.” 

Elise Murray, Environmental and Compliance Advisor at Serica Energy, said: “Innovative ideas and fresh perspectives have never been more crucial for our industry.

” STEM NEXT empowers young people to question the norm and create solutions that will propel the sector ahead, all while inspiring the future leaders of STEM.” 

Kirsty MacAulay, Communications Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As a Scottish based developer, we’re thrilled about the opportunity to hear inspiring ideas from Scotland’s youth.

“Scotland has a proud tradition of innovation and leadership in shaping the future, and we’re eager to see how the next generation continues this legacy” 

Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards and it also provides an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.  

Moreover, the 1st place winners in each category will be awarded with £200 of Amazon vouchers, 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded with £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded with £50 of Amazon vouchers. 

Students and volunteers who would like to participate must register their interest via the website by TONIGHT – 4th JULY 2025 at:

https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/stem-next-essay.