Introducing the VIP judges for The Big Bang Competition

This year, alongside the distinguished VIPs, Ainsley D. Carnarvon has been named the Head Judge of the newly introduced technology stream, an initiative supported by Siemens.

Ainsley, tasked with selecting the Big Bang UK Young Technologist of the Year, is lauded for over a decade of contributions to STEM education and innovation, gaining international recognition. Currently serving as the Digital Education Strategic Programme Manager at the Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre, Ainsley is instrumental in crafting engaging technology and innovation programmes for the youth in Edinburgh. He will be joining forces with Andy Cowan and Helena Dodd, forming a trio of Head Judges for The Big Bang Competition 2023/24.

The culmination of The Competition will see its winners and runners-up honoured at the Big Bang Fair's award ceremony, scheduled for the 19^th June 2024. Participants will have the unique chance to present their projects to an audience comprising STEM professionals, potential employers, and peers during the Fair.

The Competition will feature presentations from young talents across the UK to the VIP judges, who hail from diverse STEM sectors including fashion and space exploration. The judging panel boasts:

• Dr Giovanna Casimiro, noted for her appearance on BBC’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make Up Star and her contributions to fashion and the Metaverse
• Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and now a popular YouTuber with a significant following
• Sam McKaylin, known for his dynamic presentation on CBeebies' Get Set Galactic
• Winnie Awa, the Founder & CEO of Carra, an award-winning, AI-driven hair care platform

among others.

Natasha Sudan, the Senior Product Development Manager at EngineeringUK – the organisation behind the competition – shared her enthusiasm: “We’re so pleased to have such a fantastic line-up of VIP judges for this year’s Competition. Working with such inspirational role models is a great way to excite young people about the possibilities of their STEM projects, and future careers in science, engineering, and technology.

“The Big Bang Competition is a great opportunity for young people to build confidence and teamwork skills, solve problems and celebrate their work on a national stage.”

All participants will receive valuable feedback on their projects from real scientists and engineers. With the entry deadline set for the 27^th March at 5 pm, young people are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their talents in The Competition.