Astounding and ground-breaking scientific projects are to be unveiled in Bangor this weekend some of which can revolutionise future medical, environmental and even nuclear weapons disarming programmes.

And all the scientists behind ‘gobsmacking’ research concepts are …. school-aged pupils who have not yet even sat their A-Levels.

One senior research academic said: ‘The range and depths of thinking which will be unveiled in Bangor is mind-blowing even if presented by some esteemed researcher’.

The last 11 entrants to a North Wales Young Researchers Competition – the first of its kind in Britain –  will unveil their scientific ideas before a panel of University and industry judges at Penrhyn Hall, Bangor, on Saturday (9 March).

Entries from the under-18’s cover a range of potential uses including:

  • Virtual photon intensifiers in stealth communication
  • Quantum-Resistant Encryption
  • PRTase Enzymes in breaking down landfill plastics
  • Zero knowledge proofs in aiding nuclear arms retirement
  • Virtual reality in treating phobias
  • 3D hologram technology in aiding teaching
  • Renewable energy that’s not climate dependent

Dr Martin Hanks, city director at Bangor City Council – one of the main sponsors of the event – said: ‘When I was at school I even struggled to understand the basics of the single-cell amoeba .  Now I have to admit that I don’t even understand the titles of some of rthe entries in this exciting competition!

‘The response to this young researcher competition was awesome and it has hard enough to whittle the finalists down to 11.  I don’t envy the task of the judges to come up with a finalist!’

The event is being promoted by Bangor City Council in association with Lancaster University Bangor University and SEREN, the Wales agency which promotes educational excellence.  No other university city in Britain has mounted such a school challenge.  Among sponsors are Lloyds Bank, Railtrack and Hynamics, a subsidiary of the French energy company EDF

Apart from enthusing 16-18 year-old pupils to the various sciences mathematics, physics, biology and other disciplines, it also introduces them to preparation for university where they will be expected to argue their theories and concepts with experts.  As part of this added challenge members of the public are being welcomed to attend the event to interrogate the youngsters.  ‘Hopefully this interaction will enable our Judges to also test the skills of competitors in oral presentation, their confidence levels and selling strengths’ said Dr Hanks.

Doors to the event will open at 10.30 on  Saturday 9th March and winner’s award will be presented with prizes at the Pontio centre, Bangor at 3pm

One Lancaster University research academic said: ‘If this is the quality of entries from the next generation then I am beginning to fear for my job!’