Cardiff biosciences company Genesis Biosciences has launched a Young Scientist of the Year Award for secondary school students across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, as it approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027.
The competition challenges students to investigate how microbiology could help address a real-world challenge of the future. It has two categories: GCSE, for ages 14-16, and A-level, for ages 16-18.
Students from participating schools, including Cowbridge School, will be asked to identify a meaningful challenge, explore the relevant microbiology and consider a potential solution in a scientific paper or presentation that answers the questions ‘Can microbes change the world?’ and ‘How could microbiology help solve the challenges of tomorrow?’
Schools taking part should register their interest with Genesis Biosciences by 23 October 2026 and submit their entries by 26 February 2027. Each participating school can submit one finalist in each category.
The entries will be assessed by a panel of expert scientists at Genesis Biosciences, with the winners announced at the beginning of the summer term after Easter.
The winning students will receive a prize bundle worth over £300, including a Waterstones book voucher to help fund their reading list for sixth form or university, a 12-month subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine and an Amazon voucher.
They will also be able to visit Genesis Biosciences for a day of hands-on work experience at its Cardiff facility, learning more about the company’s work and building practical experience in applying scientific principles to real-world challenges.
Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “As a local biotechnology company, we are committed to investing in STEM education and strengthening connections between schools and the scientific community. Launching our Young Scientist of the Year Award felt like a natural next step in our school outreach programme and we’re really excited to see what students in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan choose for their contributions for this competition.
“We have designed this competition to encourage the development of scientific curiosity, critical thinking and an understanding of how scientific knowledge can be applied beyond the classroom. As we get ready to celebrate Genesis’ 25th anniversary next year, the award is a fantastic opportunity to hear from passionate young scientists and hopefully inspire the future of STEM professionals for the next 25 years.”
Genesis Biosciences was established by Conrad Mielcuszny in 2002. Its European technical facility is in Capital Business Park in Cardiff, and it also has a fermentation facility and laboratories in Georgia, USA.
