Genesis Biosciences is proud to announce the launch of the Young Scientist of the Year Award, a new initiative designed to inspire and support the next generation of scientists across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
As a local biotechnology company at the forefront of microbial and antimicrobial innovation, Genesis Biosciences is committed to investing in STEM education and strengthening the connection between schools and the wider scientific community. The Young Scientist of the Year Award is a natural extension of that commitment, challenging students to think critically about how microbiology can help solve some of tomorrow’s biggest challenges.
This Year’s Challenge: Can Microbes Change the World?
For the 2026/27 award, students will explore the theme “Can Microbes Change the World? How could microbiology help solve the challenges of tomorrow?” Participants will be asked to identify a meaningful real-world challenge, research the relevant science, apply their knowledge, evaluate a proposed solution, and communicate their conclusions either through a scientific paper or a presentation.
Who Can Enter
The award is open to selected state secondary schools across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, with two categories:
- GCSE (ages 14–16)
- A Level (ages 16–18)
Each participating school may put forward one finalist in each category. Entries are assessed by a panel of expert scientists at Genesis Biosciences, with winners announced at the beginning of the Summer Term. Schools have until 26 February 2027 to submit their chosen entries.
What’s at Stake
The winner in each category will take home a prize bundle worth over £300, including a £100 Waterstones book voucher, a 12-month subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine, and a £100 Amazon voucher. Winners will also gain a day of immersive, hands-on lab experience at Genesis Biosciences, valuable for CVs and UCAS applications, and will see their winning submission published on the Genesis Biosciences website and shared on LinkedIn.
Get Involved
Registration is underway with schools such as Cowbridge High School, already signed up to take part. Teachers and schools in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area that are interested in taking part are encouraged to register now, and full resources, including the competition brief, judging criteria, submission guidelines and a promotional poster are available to support participating schools.
Register your school | Find out more about the Young Scientist of the Year Award