Being a part of the country’s largest celebration of Science and Engineering, held at NEC Birmingham, was a wonderful experience.  As a finalist I was allocated a stand to setup my project. My stand was among major engineering and technology companies’ and universities. Over the period of two days I had the privilege of showcasing my project to a wide audience which included experts in STEM subjects, lecturers from various universities and school students. Alongside the presentations provided by the finalists, companies and universities; visitors had the opportunity to attend a great variety of exciting activities and performances constantly run by the Big Bang Fair team. The Fair also included a one hour specialist event for finalists known as ‘The Ugly Animal Show’. The aim of the Ugly animal preservation society is to give a voice to the aesthetically challenged creatures across the animal kingdom. Scientists and comedians have made campaign films for their favourite ugly animal. You can watch the films at the ‘National Science + Engineering competition’ website and vote for your favourite!   

I am grateful to my teachers and school for permitting me to attend such a stimulating competition which acts as a source of inspiration for young minds to adopt a career in STEM subjects and contribute towards science. The fair also provides opportunity for the finalists to join the CREST youth panel and its alumni network. I very much encourage all the students interested in STEM subjects to undertake their own project and enter it for the next year’s competition.

Shivang Handa