Feb 6, 2024
The Big Bang Competition, the UK’s top annual science, engineering and technology competition for young people has unveiled the inspiring panel of VIP judges for 2023/24. In addition to this year’s VIPs, Ainsley. D. Carnarvon has been appointed as Head Judge of the new technology stream, supported by Siemens.
Looking to crown this year’s Big Bang UK Young Technologist of the Year, Ainsley brings over a decade of experience, and has earned international acclaim for his commitment to STEM education and innovation.
Currently working as the Digital Education Strategic Programme Manager at the Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre, Ainsley plays a pivotal role in developing inspirational technology and innovation programs for young people in Edinburgh. Ainsley will join Andy Cowan and Helena Dodd as the trio of Head Judges for The Big Bang Competition 2023/24.
The winners and runners-up of The Competition will be crowned at this year’s Big Bang Fair, at a prestigious award ceremony taking place on 19 June 2024. Young people in The Competition will have the opportunity to showcase their work to the STEM professionals, employers and other young people present at The Fair on the day.
Young people from all over the UK will present to the VIP judges, as they help decide the next big winners of The Competition. The judges work across the STEM world, from fashion to space exploration. The panel includes:
- Dr Giovanna Casimiro, guest judge on BBC’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make Up Star, known for her work at the intersection of fashion and the Metaverse
- Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer turned influential YouTuber with a massive following
- Sam McKaylin, the energetic presenter of CBeebies' Get Set Galactic
- Winnie Awa, Founder & CEO of Carra, an award-winning AI-driven hair care platform also join the panel
plus many more.
Natasha Sudan, Senior Product Development Manager at EngineeringUK – the organisation which runs the competition, commented:
“We’re so pleased to have such a fantastic line-up of VIP judges for this year’s Competition. Working with such inspirational role models is a great way to excite young people about the possibilities of their STEM projects, and future careers in science, engineering and technology.
The Big Bang Competition is a great opportunity for young people to build confidence and teamwork skills, solve problems and celebrate their work on a national stage.”
Each and every young person who enters a project into The Competition will receive feedback from real scientists and engineers. The Big Bang Competition closes for entries on 27 March at 5pm – do encourage any young people you know or work with to enter the competition.
Meet the VIP judges and find out more about The Competition.
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