Daisy Appeal launches competition to inspire future scientists

NEXT GENERATION: The Daisy Appeal is supporting the development of the region’s future scientists

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

The Daisy Appeal has launched its Young Scientist Award – an ambitious science and innovation challenge designed to identify and support three promising young scientists from across Hull and the Humber.

Open to students aged 16 to 18 at sixth forms and colleges throughout the region, the competition invites young people to develop a science-based idea with real-world potential.

The Big Idea Challenge asks ‘what is the most useful thing you want to bring to the world?’

Students will take their concept from an initial idea to a live pitch at the inaugural Daisy Den final.

Through practical learning, access to real research environments and 12 months of mentoring from Daisy Appeal scientists and professional teams, the programme will help participants build their ideas, confidence and future STEM careers.

Finalists will present their proposals to a judging panel in a Dragon’s Den-style event, delivering a five-minute pitch which demonstrates the potential impact of their idea.

Three winning students will share a prize fund and receive a year-long mentoring programme with the Daisy Appeal’s research and professional teams.

Professor Nick Stafford, chair of the Daisy Appeal, said: “The programme has been created to help young people see the breadth of opportunities available in science, healthcare, research and innovation, while strengthening the region’s pipeline of future talent.

“Many students do not encounter advanced areas such as molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical science until university or later in their careers. The Daisy Young Scientist Competition aims to bring that exposure forward, connecting students with scientists, healthcare professionals and real research environments at a formative point in their education.”

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the Daisy Appeal’s £9m Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) at Castle Hill Hospital, near Cottingham. The facility supports research into cancer, dementia and heart disease, and produces radiotracers used in advanced diagnostic imaging.

Dr Louis Allott, head of radiochemistry at MIRC, said: “Alongside developing their ideas, students will take part in workshops focused on research, innovation and pitching. The experience is designed to build confidence, communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, while giving participants valuable insight into future careers.

“The Daisy Young Scientist Award is about much more than recognising a great idea. We want to give young people the confidence, experience and connections to see themselves as the scientists, researchers, innovators and healthcare leaders of the future.

“The Humber has remarkable young talent. By bringing students closer to the world of real research and emerging science, we can raise aspirations, open doors and help create opportunities for those talented people to build their futures here in our region.”

The competition will provide a valuable enrichment opportunity for schools and colleges, helping them showcase innovation, student achievement and their commitment to STEM education.

Schools, colleges, students and parents can register their interest by contacting the Daisy Appeal at daisy@daisyappeal.org.

For more information about the Young Scientist Award, click here: https://daisyappeal.org/images/assets/Young-Scientist-Schools-Colleges-Guide.pdf