Cardiff biosciences company to inspire future of STEM with new award
Genesis Biosciences has launched a new award to inspire the next generation of scientists as the company approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027.
The Young Scientist of the Year Award challenges secondary school students across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to investigate how microbiology could help address a real-world challenge of the future.
The competition, which has categories for both GCSE and A-level students, is designed around scientific research, reasoning, evaluation and communication.
Students from participating schools, including Cowbridge School, will be required to identify a meaningful challenge, explore the relevant microbiology and consider a potential solution in a scientific paper or presentation that ultimately answers the questions ‘Can microbes change the world?’ and ‘How could microbiology help solve the challenges of tomorrow?’
Each participating school can submit one finalist in each category. The entries will be assessed by a panel of expert scientists at Genesis Biosciences, with the winners being announced after Easter.
The winning students will be awarded a prize bundle worth over £300 including a Waterstones book voucher to help fund their reading list for sixth form or university, a 12-month subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine and an Amazon voucher.
In addition to the prize bundle, the winners will also be able to visit Genesis Biosciences for an immersive, hands-on day of work experience in its Cardiff facility, learning more about the company’s work developing environmentally responsible, innovative solutions and building practical experience in applying scientific principles to real-world challenges.
Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “As a local biotechnology company, we are committed to investing in STEM education and strengthening connections between schools and the scientific community. Launching our Young Scientist of the Year Award felt like a natural next step in our school outreach programme and we’re really excited to see what students in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan choose for their contributions for this competition.
“We have designed this competition to encourage the development of scientific curiosity, critical thinking and an understanding of how scientific knowledge can be applied beyond the classroom. As we get ready to celebrate Genesis’ 25th anniversary next year, the award is a fantastic opportunity to hear from passionate young scientists and hopefully inspire the future of STEM professionals for the next 25 years.”