Rugby student Jasmine impresses judges with her dream idea

Jasmine Simms researched ways to create simple steps to help people get a good night’s sleep. Her ideas have secured her a place in the finals of the National Science + Engineering Competition 2016. She was confirmed as a West Midlands winner and a national finalist by judges who recognised the potential value of improved productivity in a work environment and the health benefits of helping people with sleeping disorders. The National Science + Engineering Competition, organised by the British Science Association, is an annual contest open to pupils aged between 11-18, and gives participants the chance to win prizes and experiences worth over £50,000. The 2016 winners will be announced at the National Awards Ceremony as part of the annual Big Bang Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, which inspires young people to consider a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The event, aimed primarily at 11 to 14-year-old children and their parents, will take place from March 16-19. Young visitors to the fair will enjoy high octane theatre shows, over 150 interactive stands and workshops as well as access to careers information, resources and activities. The fair offers experiences in virtual reality, medicine, marine biology, film and TV, space exploration, explosive chemistry, crime-solving, robots, computer coding, microscopic bugs, giant trucks and more. Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK which organises The Big Bang Fair, congratulated the finalists on their nomination. He said: “Being part of the National Science + Engineering Competition national finals is an exceptional achievement for young inventors, scientists and engineers. The judging panel will have a tough decision in selecting the winners at The Big Bang Fair in March.” Winner of the UK Young Scientist of the Year 2015 title, Sarah Sobka, said: “Being at The Big Bang Fair and meeting so many inspirational other young people, was the highlight of my year.”