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.”
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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”
