Mar 3, 2017
- The award is designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in science
- This year marks the first time that the award has received corporate sponsorship, demonstrating GSK’s commitment to future talent
- The GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year Award will be announced at The Big Bang Fair on 16 March, 2017
GSK, the science-led healthcare company is further demonstrating its commitment to inspiring the next generation of talent by sponsoring this year’s UK Young Scientist of the Year Award (2017).
The award is part of the annual Big Bang Competition and is open to 11-18 year olds. It is designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
This is the first time that the national science award - which will be called the GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year - has received corporate support.
GSK’s Senior Vice President, UK and Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Nikki Yates, is part of this year’s celebrity judging panel. She said: “I am passionate about making sure that the next generation of innovators and leaders in science and engineering are engaged early so no future talent is left uninspired or undiscovered.
“The GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year award is an important part of our overall commitment to discovering and developing young people through every step of their journey in STEM, from primary school to a rewarding career.”
Paul Jackson, CEO of EngineeringUK who organise The Big Bang Fair, said: “The Big Bang Competition showcases the incredible talent of young scientists and engineers across the country. In sponsoring the UK Young Scientist of the Year Award GSK is sending out a strong message about the value of STEM skills and the opportunities they offer.”
As part of GSK's commitment to inspiring young people into science subjects, GSK has also become a principal sponsor of the new Medicine Galleries at the Science Museum, London, which will open to the public in 2019.
Nikki continued: “I encourage children and young people to join us at our interactive shows at The Big Bang Fair, to learn more about this year’s young scientists’ award entries and to start imagining how we could all help to tackle the world’s current and future healthcare challenges.
“GSK is constantly thinking about the next breakthrough and we want to inspire young people to dream big too.”
The GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year will be announced on 16 March, 2017 at The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham.
ENDS
Notes to editors
GSK
We are one of the world’s leading science-based healthcare companies and committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
We are a major sponsor of The Big Bang Fair and corporate sponsor of the GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year. For further information please visit www.gsk.co.uk.
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition
- The Big Bang Competition aims to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and provide them with the opportunity to build their skills and confidence in project-based work.
- The Big Bang Competition offers opportunities for more young people than ever to showcase their STEM projects and recognise and reward their achievements. It's open to all UK residents in full-time education or training (year group 7-13 and Scottish/NI equivalent).
- The UK finals are held annually at The Big Bang Fair.
- For more information please visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/competition
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair
- The Big Bang Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK. It takes place from 15-18 March 2017 at The NEC, Birmingham; and is an award-winning combination of exciting theatre shows, interactive workshops, exhibits and careers information from STEM professionals including GSK.
- School groups are invited to visit the first three days of The Big Bang Fair and families on the Saturday, in particular parents and carers of 11-14 year olds. Young people will leave enlightened about how science and engineering feature in everything they wear, eat and do. Thousands of apprentice, graduate and experienced engineers and scientists will be on hand to quiz and young people will have the opportunity to discover how science and maths can lead to a great career.
- For more information please visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
GSK enquiries:
UK Media enquiries: Gavin Davies 07341 079858 [email protected]
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