Charlie wins technology award at Big Bang science fair

Charlie Coward picked up the CREST Gold Technology Award in the face of stiff competition at the Province’s largest science fair.

Representing the Northern Regional College, Charlie is a Level 3 IT student and he will be going to Ulster University (Magee) to study Computer Science.

He is also through to the semi-final of the Northern Ireland Science Park’s Young Founders Programme.

The annual showcase - attended by over 3,500 students from 130 schools and colleges - celebrates the achievements of young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and centres on an exhibition of innovative and exciting science projects, based around real world problems and carried out by students from schools across the island of Ireland.

The event was organised by Sentinus, an educational charity working with more than 50,000 young people each year, from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland, delivering programmes that promote engagement in STEM and support the development of scientific and technological skills.

On the day, exhibitions of project work from primary, post-primary and further education students were displayed and judged by industry experts who volunteer their time as part of a commitment to progress the STEM agenda for Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Jim Stewart CBE, Chair of Sentinus said: “The event is all about promoting engagement in science and technology project work, exciting young people about STEM subjects and promoting and rewarding innovation.

“STEM skills are vitally important for our young people’s futures and the future of our economy. The skills which they learn in science and technology – problem solving, creative thinking, communication, team work, analytical skills – are sought after by all employers, so the STEM subjects give young people a good basis to build a career on.”