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Alex was awarded the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) prize to attend the world’s largest pre-college science competition in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, for his project analysing the synthesis and catalytic properties of a novel group of materials. He found that they have potential to be used as catalysts in safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical reactions widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Alex was very positive about his research experience, which consisted of four weeks working in Dr Andrew Fogg‘s research group at the University of Liverpool: ‘It was brilliant to be able to get into a lab and work with PhD students, using techniques and equipment you don’t have access to at A-Level. It reinforced that chemistry is the area I want to work in.’
Commenting on his prize, he added: ‘I’m taken aback and overjoyed at winning the Intel ISEF prize. I’m still taking in the huge scale of it. I spoke to two of the previous winners after the award ceremony and they told me what a hugely influential experience it had been in their lives. I’m really looking forward to it.’
CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) is a UK-wide Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) award scheme managed by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science). Through CREST, young people aged 11-19 explore the real nature of STEM by doing their own creative problem solving through mini projects. Read more*
