We are so proud of Marianne (Year 12) for being named one of four winners in this year’s RCSU Science Challenge: an international competition run by Imperial College which requires entrants to demonstrate their skills in scientific debate and reasoning, as well as their ability to teach the public about the science that affects their lives.
Under the theme of climate change, the competition challenged young scientists to answer one of four questions set by a panel of guest judges made up of Professor Lord Robert Winston, Professor Kathy Sykes, Professor Richard Templer and Dr Paulo Ceppi, all of whom are passionate about communication in science and climate change.
After successfully being shortlisted for her entry, Marianne was invited to attend the Grand Awards Ceremony on Monday 21st March, where she was declared winner of her category. Her 5-minute presentation on the question ‘How do we know that we humans are causing climate change, rather than natural phenomena?’ was played to the audience and she received a trophy and certificate.
From Marianne:
“I really enjoyed taking part, reading recent sources on climate change and learning to use tools to make animations. I think it is really fitting that communication about climate change was chosen as the theme this year, because awareness still needs to be raised about it.
A few weeks ago, I learnt that I was invited to the Grand Finale at the Royal Institution in London, which took place on the evening of the 21st March. I was shocked at first and then I was really excited! At this point, I only knew that I had been shortlisted, as winners would be announced during the event. I was thrilled when it turned out that I had won for the question I had addressed and my video was shown in front of the audience and judges.
That evening, I also got to listen to two very interesting speeches, one on activism against climate change and the risk of misinformation, calling for accurate and evidence-based science communication, and the other on informing politicians about the steps to take to combat this global issue. I also watched the other three winning videos, which were really inspiring. I got to briefly visit the museum at the Royal Institution – this was a great way to learn new things, like the fact that not less than 10 elements in the periodic table had been discovered there! I even got to see Faraday’s actual equipment and the lab as it was at the time of his discoveries.”
Congratulations Marianne – what a superb achievement!