Tag: TechFest

Edinburgh pupil wins international essay competition

  • An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.
  • TechFest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next encouraged young people across the world to consider their future in Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  
  • The competition inspired students worldwide, with winners across a variety of categories and nations including England, Scotland and South Korea.  
  • Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next empowers young people to explore careers in STEM, helping them chart a path towards innovation and preparing them to lead in the industries of tomorrow.” 

An Edinburgh school student has been named a winner in the STEM Next global essay competition organised by the Scottish charity Techfest, which encouraged students to share their ideas about the future of industries in energy, medicine, and science.

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors.  

STEM Next was a solo digital project that required independent research and writing, open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.  

Participants were invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addressed one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences. 

The competition aimed to inspire students worldwide, drawing winners from London, Kent, Edinburgh, and Dwight Seoul in South Korea.  

Samantha van Rooyen from Wimbledon High School, Earl Xavier Fornillos from St. Bonaventure’s RC School, and Ishan Madhok from St. Paul’s School triumphed as 1st place winners, each taking home a £200 Amazon voucher. 

Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next is a challenge designed in partnership with industry and education to help shape the future workforce.  

“The competition is a fantastic chance for industry to connect with brilliant young minds and discover the next generation of STEM leaders. 

“Early industry relationships can ignite a passion that shapes the future problem solvers in STEM. STEM Next offers an exciting opportunity for industry leaders to connect with the next generation of innovators.” 

The project enabled TechFest to make introductions that provided entrants with valuable career insights while also helping to shape their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements. 

Young people who competed in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards, providing an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. 

In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.  

STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners (TWP). 

Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift , said: “STEM Next is shaping the skilled workforce needed to tackle future challenges. This aligns with Airswift’s goal of transforming lives through workforce solutions in STEM industries.” 

Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “At CNOOC International, our focus on delivering safe and sustainable energy aligned perfectly with STEM Next, which showcased bold and practical solutions from the world’s top young thinkers this year.” 

Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe STEM Next provided extraordinary insight from the fresh perspectives of young people.” 

Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “At TWP, we are committed to encouraging the next generation to explore STEM subjects and have been delighted supporting TechFest’s STEM Next competition. Congratulations to all of the winners!” 

TechFest is interested in increasing industry partners for this project, if you are interested in sponsorship or volunteering, please get in touch via: 

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

Edinburgh students to engage in nation’s rich heritage of design and manufacturing

  • TechFest, an Aberdeen charity has launched STEM into Innovation to inspire Scottish students to explore the nation’s deep history in design and manufacturing.
  • STEM into Innovation launched with ‘Pioneers of Progress’; an exciting initiative for S1-S2 students to explore the evolution of instant communications and design.
  • Following this, TechFest hosted Innovation Masterclasses throughout Scotland with experts from across design, manufacturing and academia. The final ‘Innovation Masterclass’ of the year on Engineering Design and Innovation was hosted by the organisers behind The Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), Horizon Educational.
  • Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM into Innovation ignites curiosity across Scotland, combining cultural heritage with hands-on design and manufacturing.”

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TechFest, an Aberdeen-based charity, has launched the programme ‘STEM into Innovation’ to enhance Edinburgh students’ awareness of innovation processes used within the design and manufacturing sectors.

STEM into Innovation targets secondary school students, offering both in-school tuition and live masterclasses held in Scottish cities. The initiative aims to equip young people with STEM and entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for further academic or STEM careers.

It kicked off with “Pioneers of Progress” in February, an exciting initiative exploring the evolution of instant communications and an introduction to design.

This free programme, which is still available to access via TechFest’s website, is delivered in classrooms through video content accompanied by follow-up challenges that aim to enhance all participating students’ mathematics, writing, design, marketing and teamwork skills.

It is designed for teachers across all subjects, providing a variety of resources for classroom instruction from TechFest, such as student activity booklets and interviews with industry professionals.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM into Innovation taps into Scotland’s rich design and manufacturing heritage, equipping students with the skills and mindset to become Scotland’s next STEM leaders.  

“It is a CREST-accredited programme that empowers students to unlock their full STEM potential, strengthens their CVs and UCAS applications while equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to bridge the industry skills gap.

“STEM into Innovation is committed to creating greater diversity and equality through encouraging more young people to consider a career in the engineering or science industries.”

TechFest delivered a range of masterclasses for students as part of STEM into Innovation, where students could roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on product design.

The masterclasses were held in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, and provided an opportunity for young people to gain insights on entrepreneurship and product development from industry professionals.

A masterclass conducted by Horizon Educational, organisers of the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), concluded the 2024 programme on the 23rd of November with a focus on engineering design and innovation.

Tobias Lundsgaard, Product Development Manager at Horizon Educational said: “Being able to bridge the gap between the products we develop in our R&D centre and the students we serve has been an invaluable aspect of TechFest’s STEM into Innovation programme.

“Getting to know these students – and being able to give them a glimpse into my own process of product development has reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career at Horizon Educational: to help build future leaders with a passion for STEM and Conscious design.”

Other masterclasses were held across Scotland including Edinburgh, which was presented by The National Robotarium.

A parent who attended the National Robotarium masterclass with her child said: ‘‘I would like to thank TechFest for organising these opportunities for the kids.

“My child had such a great day yesterday at Herriot-Watt University with his friend attending the National Robotarium. It was a long drive but so worth it when you see the enthusiasm they come away with about all they have seen and learnt. ”

STEM into Innovation was designed to equip students with in-demand entrepreneurial skills for employers and higher education institutions, enhancing their academic and career prospects in STEM fields.

This CREST-accredited programme: Pioneers of Progress runs throughout the academic year, alongside all other STEM into Innovation events and will continue to be available in the next school year, offering students ongoing opportunities to engage with STEM.

Following the success STEM into Innovation, next academic year, TechFest will host a cross-curricular design project for secondary school pupils to build on their previous programme experiences.

Charity launches global Digital Science Festival to boost STEM for all

  • Techfest, a Scottish charity, is set to launch a worldwide Digital Science Festival to promote STEM access to everyone.
  • Scotland’s Digital Science Festival (SDSF) is an exciting, virtual event that aims to bring science straight into homes through expert talks, interactive workshops, and an online escape room.
  • The festival will feature a range of speakers including TV Doctor, Tharaka Gunarthne, YouTuber, Dr Tom Crawford, and BBC Blue Planet’s, Doug Allan.
  • SDSF is designed to make STEM accessible and inclusive for all ages.  
  • Sarah Chew, Managing Director of Techfest, said: “Scotland’s Digital Science Festival is an opportunity for people of all generations to discover the excitement and possibilities that STEM can offer in today’s digital world. By making these fields more accessible and engaging, we hope to spark a lifelong curiosity that leads to innovation and empowerment.”

Scottish Charity, TechFest, has organised a free Digital Science Festival to take place on the 1-8th November to encourage engagement in STEM for all ages.

The week-long festival will be hosted entirely online including workshops, presentations and interactive sessions, led by professionals across STEM.

The festival will feature a variety of speakers who aim to demonstrate the relevance of STEM subjects in everyday life. One of the speakers, Dr Tom Crawford, also known as Tom Rocks Maths on YouTube, will be combining his passion for mathematics and Pokémon.

Additionally, Doug Allan from BBC’s Blue Planet will be attending the festival to discuss “An Eye Below Zero, a Long-Term Look at the Poles.”

Other speakers at the festival include Scottish Influencer of the Year 2024 and climate activist Laura Young, and Dr Vivienne Ming, a visionary neuroscientist and AI expert who works towards unlocking the human potential.

The festival will close with the unique ‘Universilly Challenged’ pub-style quiz experience, hosted by the one-of-a-kind science troubadour Jonny Berliner and renowned biologist Simon Watt.

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM more engaging and inclusive for everyone throughout the country and beyond whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors.

Scotland’s Digital Science Festival has been developed to address the accessibility barriers for rural communities and provide a global platform for participants to join from anywhere in the world.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “I’m incredibly proud to launch Scotland’s Digital Science Festival, powered by TechFest, in our efforts to bring fun and engaging STEM discussions to people across the globe.

“It is vital that we have more initiatives like this to inspire the next generation of talent and encourage people of all ages to engage with and rediscover their love for STEM.

“We want to challenge outdated perceptions that STEM subjects aren’t ‘cool’, are male-dominated, or too difficult by showing their relevance to exciting career paths demonstrated by our speakers.

“The power of connectivity allows us to bring these incredible speakers and activities directly into homes around the world free of charge.”

Edinburgh students challenged by Scottish charity to share ideas on the future of energy, medicine and science

  • Scottish Charity, TechFest, is encouraging Edinburgh students aged between 16-18 to participate in its global essay competition, STEM Next, to share their cutting-edge ideas on the future of industries across energy, medicine and science.   
  • Techfest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next is back this year to encourage young people across the world to consider their future under three categories: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  
  • The competition is aligned with the CREST Awards and grounded in STEM, allowing students direct access to industry professionals as part of their essay research. STEM Next has a registration deadline of June 21.   
  • Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next allows students to develop meta-skills that will benefit them for their entire careers, whilst they consider the future of key industries they’re preparing to lead.” 

TechFest is challenging Edinburgh students to compete against other young people across the world in STEM Next, an essay competition that encourages entrants to discuss the future of the industries across energy, medicine and science.     

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors. STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners. 

The competition is a solo digital project that requires independent research and writing, and is open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.  

Entrants are invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addresses one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences. 

In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.   

TechFest will make introductions that will provide entrants with valuable career insight alongside shaping their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements.  

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: ”STEM Next is a challenge grounded in STEM that has been developed in collaboration with industry and education to deliver the future workforce. 

“The competition’s interviewing aspect provides industry with a great opportunity to connect with young people and attract the best and brightest talent who will be the next generation of industry leaders.” 

The Aberdeen-based charity is still looking for industry professionals to volunteer their time for these interviews and is calling for anyone with expertise or work experience in Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Space Science or Biological Sciences.  

Sarah added: “We are still keen for anyone who has the time to engage with these young people to sign-up as these early industry relationships can help forge a spark that will inspire a new wave of problem solvers and decision makers in STEM.“ 

Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift, said: “STEM Next is creating the next skilled workforce that will help to solve current and future problems across industries.

“This partnership perfectly ties into one our objectives at Airswift of transforming lives through the provision of international workforce solutions for STEM industries.” 

Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC, said: “At CNOOC, we are focused on delivering safe and sustainable energy for all.

“As we see this shift being adopted across the energy industry, we need bold and practical ideas from young people during this vital transition period and look forward to seeing the world’s best ideas from this year’s entrants.”  

Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe there is no better insight into this challenge than from the fresh perspective of young people.“ 

Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As an Edinburgh-based organisation focused on offshore wind development, we are excited to see a range of thought-provoking ideas from Scottish young people. Our nation has a strong heritage for innovation and shaping the modern world.” 

Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards. 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 £200 of Amazon vouchers. 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded £50 worth of Amazon vouchers.  

The deadline to register interest for STEM Next 2024 is June 21, with the project launching on June 17.  Students and volunteers can register for STEM Next via the TechFest website: 

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

Charity calls on First Minister to back young people as the solution to transforming the nation’s dying high streets 

Scottish charity TechFest is calling on First Minister Humza Yousaf to support its vision of transforming high streets throughout Scotland before it is too late, and they die completely.

TechFest promotes STEM to school pupils throughout Scotland. The TechFest Blueprint Challenge is back this year to support all S3 – S6 pupils as they play their role in saving the country’s high streets.  

The competition, aligned with the CREST Awards and grounded in STEM, asks students to come up with realistic ideas for regenerating failing high streets.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Scotland’s high streets are dying, and regenerating them is a huge challenge. We need the First Minister’s help to place this at the forefront of the national and local agenda.

“Young people and their fresh perspectives deserve to be heard by decision-makers and they might just have the answers and ideas that will help transform high streets throughout the country.”

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Scottish Charity, TechFest, is urging the First Minister Humza Yousaf to get behind its goal and ambition to help transform high streets throughout the country.

Following a successful pilot year which brought a range of creative designs by students across Scotland, TechFest is once again challenging secondary school students across the country to redesign their high streets as part of TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge: A Future High Street.

TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge is a collaboration with Bluewater, a specialist private equity firm focused on global energy. The initiative has been developed through Bluewater’s charitable division to inspire children to think about future energy and how this can be integral to a better environment and social agendas.

However, this year as pupils return to school, the charity has written to the First Minister urging him to help raise awareness and drive positive engagement with Local Authority planners throughout the country to support the regeneration of Scottish high streets and give young people a seat at the decision-making table.

Bringing life back to the high street has been a hugely challenging task for local authorities and TechFest’s Blueprint Challenge has been designed to champion ideas that can help regenerate towns and cities throughout the country.

The competition is open to all S3 – S6 students who want to share their ideas on how to create a high street that allows society to thrive while celebrating the natural world at the same time.

Pupils are asked to take into consideration ‘’modern problems’’ surrounding architecture, economic stability, power generation and consumption, and how they can bring energy, technology and nature together to create a high street that meets Net Zero targets and encourages nature and community to grow.

The goal is a modern and progressive high street that is not simply about retail.

Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “We need the First Minister’s help to place the transformation of our high streets at the forefront of the national and local agenda.  

“In the past decade there have been continued discussions, debates and reports on how to transform our high streets and make them fit for the future but despite various thought-provoking think tanks and reports, sadly we have seen little to no action.  

“The Scottish high street is in crisis, and we need urgent action to save them, that is why the TechFest Blueprint Challenge is a huge opportunity to champion the youth voice and help transform how we use our high streets.  

“Young people deserve to be heard and we need the First Minister to bring our high streets further up the agenda and help us develop more positive and meaningful engagement with local authorities across Scotland.”  

Schools have until September 11th to register a team ahead of the project launch on September 12th.  

Teams will work together to create a project summary by the end of November, followed by a presentation day in December, where they will display their projects to a panel of experts, with a further opportunity to display their work as part of TechFest’s Science Festival in May 2024.  

The competition is curriculum-aligned, and students and teachers will receive comprehensive support materials, including a series of online webinars with industry professionals and an opportunity for students to showcase their skills to the local community.

“Scotland has a strong heritage for innovation and shaping the modern world,” Sarah Chew added.

“The TechFest Blueprint challenge offers a huge opportunity to develop progressive and ground-breaking ideas that can be held up as best-practice throughout the world, whilst engaging with young people in a fun, meaningful and impactful way.”