YOUNG people from across the county will be hoping for their very own Big Bang moment at the biggest-ever science, technology, engineering and maths fair next month.

The University of Exeter, which will host the fourth Big Bang Fair South West on June 26, will be a hive of activity as 2000 students, teachers and guests arrive for a day of education, engagement and competition, backed by the Education Business Partnership – South West.

More than 150 student projects will be on show to be judged by a panel of over 100 industry professionals for the chance to win the coveted UK Young Scientist or Engineer of the Year awards, along with other fantastic prizes at the British Science Association’s National Science + Engineering Competition.

Past winners include Maddie Bennett from Maiden Beech Academy in Crewkerne, Somerset, who won the popular ‘STEMBurst’ prize and £250 in Amazon vouchers for refurbishing an old classroom chair using materials within the school.

Maddie said: “I really enjoyed meeting everyone that uses science every day for their job and talking to the judges. Taking part in the Big Bang has made me even more enthusiastic about the things they do and I’m really happy that I I’ve been rewarded for this.”

Students will also be inspired by more than 85 interactive trade stands, featuring regional and national businesses, including the Met Office, Western Power Distribution, Mott MacDonald and the National Composites Centre.

There is also an innovative Mega Class hosted by the National Space Centre, and those who like to get up close and personal with the natural world will love the Ugly Animal Road Show, hosted by the co-presenter of Channel 4’s Inside Nature’s Giants, Simon Watt.

Event organiser Janie Harper said: “With over 2000 students, teachers and guests, this is a wonderful opportunity to get the creative juices flowing and get inspired about a career in STEM. This is the fourth Big Bang EBP-SW have organised in partnership with Careers South West and it is something that continues to go from strength to strength.

“We recommend that all students and teachers bring projects to The Big Bang. There are prizes worth hundreds of pounds up for grabs, it gives young people the chance to be creative and employers will look positively at your work in the future. If you need any advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”