Winning big
- The winners of The Big Bang Competition have been announced today, including the new UK Young Scientist, UK Young Engineer and UK Young Technologist of the Year, supported by Siemens
- Young people’s winning projects include an automatic pill dispenser, an alternative telecommunications system for emergency communications in rural areas, and an investigation into the physics behind karate
At the glittering ceremony, which took place this afternoon at The Big Bang Fair the 3 top winners were named as:
- UK Young Engineer – Aaron Lord, a year 12 student from Greenhead College in Yorkshire
- UK Young Scientist of the Year – Alice Morrish, a year 10 student from Invicta Grammar School in Kent
- UK Young Technologist of the Year, supported by Siemens – Muhammad Shah, a year 13 student from Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet in London
The Big Bang Competition is a nationwide competition for young engineers, scientists and technologists aged 11 to 18, which recognises and rewards talented young innovators. There are a range of awards and prizes up for grabs, with the top 3 winners each receiving £1,000 prize money.
Aaron Lord’s winning engineering project was ‘Autopill’. This was inspired to support those taking regular medication, particularly people with dementia and memory difficulties. Using mechanics, electronics and computer-aided design (CAD), Aaron created an automatic pill dispenser with a health monitoring component.
Aaron commented: “I’m thrilled to accept this award – it’s incredible! The Competition has been a brilliant experience from start to finish. It allowed me to take something that I thought was a good idea and turn it into something tangible.”
Alice Morrish’s winning science project was ‘Quantum Karate’. Combining her 2 passions, Alice explored the physics behind karate to provide a better understanding of the sport.
Alice added: “To other young people thinking of entering The Big Bang Competition, I’d say go for it!”
Muhammad Shah’s winning technology project was ‘Icarus’. Inspired by his love of the outdoors and trekking, Muhammad created an alternative telecommunications system for low-cost and effective emergency communications in remote areas.
Muhammad will be presented with his award later this month at his school’s design showcase. He wasn’t able to attend the award ceremony because he was sitting an A level exam paper!
Mark Wood, Social Sustainability Lead at Siemens GB&I, said, “This year the competition was intense but Muhammad stood out… (he) demonstrated independent learning and great communication and presentation skills, and is a worthy winner of the prize!”
Dr Hilary Leevers, EngineeringUK Chief Executive, said “Huge congratulations to all our winners, who have shown impressive creativity, knowledge and drive as they worked on their projects. I hope they, and all the runners-up, are proud of their achievement. There are so many opportunities for them to continue with STEM in education and training, and then in the workplace. I’m sure they have a bright future ahead.”
Other winning projects include an AI-based programme for cancer diagnosis, a menopause cooling stick, a facemask that converts pollutants, and a design for a remote-controlled machine that uses nanotechnology to clean up oil spills from the ocean.
Find out more about The Big Bang Fair, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 17 June to 19 June 2025.
Huge congratulations to all our winners, who have shown impressive creativity, knowledge and drive as they have worked on their projects. I hope they, and all the runners-up, are proud of their achievement. There are so many opportunities for them to continue with STEM in education and training and then in the workplace. I’m sure they have a bright future ahead.
— Dr Hilary Leevers, EngineeringUK Chief Executive
