Belfast High’s young scientists test out knowledge at exhibition

From left: Thomas Moore, Andrew Walker, Rachel Leer and Josh Edwards, from Belfast High School, pictured with their Sentinus Team R&D project, Energy Reduction which has been developed in partnership with Coca Cola Hellenic. INNT 19-450-CON

During the day, students displayed their projects and presented their findings to a panel of judges.

The projects were assessed by industry experts, all of whom volunteer their time and knowledge to help progress STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in Northern Ireland.

Sentinus is an educational charity working with over 60,000 young people a year in Northern Ireland.

The charity delivers programmes that promote STEM subjects and inspire students to consider a career in these sectors.

A major focus of the event was a celebration day for the Sentinus team’s R&D programme, representing a culmination of six months’ research and development work alongside industry to deliver innovative and creative solutions.

Sentinus partners A-Level students at a pivotal stage in making their career decision, with engineers and scientists from local businesses.

With support from local universities, the aim is to inspire students to consider a career in STEM by giving them “ownership” of a current real world, industrial problem.

The event, supported by Department of Education, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Invest NI, was part of a national programme ‘Big Bang Near Me’ which is the largest celebration of STEM for young people in the United Kingdom.

The science fair precedes the main “Young Innovators” event in June and showcases the students’ innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).