12:16pm Wednesday 13th May 2009
By Claire Fry
A PUPIL from Pershore has been congratulated by the Duke of York when he met winners and finalists of the UK National Science Competition.
One of them was Worcestershire schoolboy Chris Jeffries from Pershore High School, who lives in Norton.
He won the title UK Technologist of the Year.
Chris’s prize included a visit to Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, which is based on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire.
Prince Andrew toured Diamond with Prof Gerd Materlik, Diamond’s chief executive, meeting some of the scientists and engineers behind this UK science success.
He then spoke to the National Science Competition winners and finalists about the projects that led to their own success in this inclusive competition, which covers all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Chris and his team-mates designed and built devices that detect and prevent damage to the equipment used in the testing of gearboxes.
Chris said: “Today has been a real inspiration. Diamond presents so many different opportunities for young people who are interested in science and technology.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing what my physics studies can lead to, it’s definitely not just about equations. Having the opportunity to tell the Duke of York about our project was great too.”
Chris is going to study physics at Warwick University.
Prince Andrew said: “The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has a key role to play in keeping the United Kingdom at the forefront of scientific developments in trade and industry.
It can provide inspiration for young people on a wide variety of science and engineering career paths. For youngsters such as the National Science Competition winners and finalists, being able to meet with the experts working at facilities such as Diamond is vital if we are to keep them excited about the prospect of a career in science or engineering.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk