As a local biotechnology company, Genesis Biosciences is committed to investing in STEM education and strengthening connections between schools and the scientific community.
The Young Scientist of The Year Award challenges students to investigate how microbiology could help address a real-world challenge of the future.
There are two award categories:
GCSE | Ages 14–16
A Level | Ages 16–18
Each participating school can submit one finalist in each category.
Register your SchoolStudents will be given an annual theme and competition brief.
For 2026/27:
CAN MICROBES CHANGE THE WORLD?
How could microbiology help solve the challenges of tomorrow?
Students will choose a specific real-world challenge and investigate how microbiology could contribute to a solution.
They will need to:
The winning students (one from each age category) will win a prize bundle worth over £300. This will include:
The lucky winners will also receive some kudos for their CV and/or UCAS application in the form of:
For internal promotion. A ready-to-use poster for displaying around your school and sharing with eligible students.
Download Poster
For students. The full challenge, expectations, suggested areas of investigation and guidance on preparing an entry.
Download Brief
For teachers & students. See how entries will be assessed and what the judges will be looking for.
Download Criteria
For teachers. Everything you need to know about preparing your school’s GCSE and A Level finalists for submission.
Download Guidelines
For teachers. A sheet to help record scores against judging criteria to ensure consistent assessment of entries.
Download SheetRegistration should take just a few minutes.
Register your School
