Ballyclare pupil in national finals

Year 12 student Alexander Baine impressed the judges in the regional heats with his image recognition Sudoku solver – a device that solves a Sudoku when it is held up to its camera.

He will go on to join over 200 other project teams from across the UK in the finals, which take place during The Big Bang United Kingdom Young Scientists & Engineers Fair at the Birmingham NEC, March 2017.

The Big Bang Competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

The competition is open to 11-18yr olds, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes such as international experiences worth over £50,000 and prestigious awards such as UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year.

Paul Wilson from Ballyclare High School said: “Having the opportunity to put theory into practice has been great fun and has given Alexander an idea of just how interesting a career in engineering or technology could be. The project has also helped him develop some key technical skills. To be through to the national final is the icing on the cake – I can’t wait for Alexander to show off his project again and hope he comes back from the UK finals in March with an award.”

Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK said: “Congratulations to Alexander and good luck for March.”

Online entries are still open until Sunday, November 20 for people keen to take part. For more information visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/competition