Pupils from across the north-east are being given the chance to interview leading lights in the energy industry as part of TechFest’s annual STEM in the Pipeline initiative.
The Aberdeen-based charity, which aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians, is inviting youngsters to take part in its first ever Energising the Transition Essay Competition.
Open to all S5 and S6 students, the contest is a solo research project for individual pupils, with participants delving into a topic or question of their choosing that relates to the energy industry.
Participants will be given a database of industry professionals and their areas of expertise, although they can also make their own connections, and will have to carry out an interview with at least one of them.
A panel of experts from various fields will judge the submissions and prizes will be awarded for the top three essays.
Pupils who take part in STEM in the Pipeline will also be eligible for the Silver CREST Award, Britain’s national award scheme for work in STEM subjects.
Interested students have until September 13 to register for the competition and the deadline for submissions is November 9. Winners will be announced at the start of December.
Martha Gavan, TechFest STEM Lead, said: “Due to circumstances, and following discussion with teachers and the local authorities, it was clear that we would have to put the traditional STEM in the Pipeline on hold for this year.
“We’ve used this opportunity to design this new challenge that incorporates many of the aspects we love about STEM in the Pipeline, but in a format more sympathetic to current conditions. There is no rigid requirement as to the structure of the essay, but good submissions will include clear arguments, referenced sources, illustrations and possibly case histories.
“We hope that STEM in the Pipeline 2021 will return in its usual format, refreshed, updated and better than ever, but we also see potential for expanding and growing the essay challenge as an ongoing project in the future.”