Register your interest for STEM Next 2024 competition today. 

This essay competition has no subject pre-requisites and is not purely STEM based. Students of various interests are more than welcome to take part! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn transferable skills that you can utilize in your future studies and careers, e.g. research, critical analysis, communication.

There are 3 potential essay categories to choose and within each category there are a diverse range of potential essay questions, with something to suit every interest! This is a solo project that requires independent research and writing. However, we encourage that participants get feedback from their peers or teachers before the final submission.

There are three essay categories available:

1) Energy In Action

2) Life Sciences & Medicine 

3) Chemistry & Biological Sciences

More information about available essay topics will be provided in due course.  

Taking part in STEM Next competition is a brilliant opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. In addition, participating students are eligible for CREST Awards. Additional prizes for 2024 competition to be confirmed. 

TECHFEST’S STEM NEXT ESSAY COMPETITION IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline to register interest – TBC

Project launch – TBC

Deadline for essay submission – 30/09/24

(don’t forget to submit the cover sheet as well!)

Winning essays announced – November 2024

Interested in volunteering for STEM Next?

If you work, have worked in any of the following industries or have great knowledge about any of the following areas: Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry or Biological Sciences industries, and would like to be interviewed by a student for their essay about the topics around these industries, please click here to register (this is an interest form only. We will contact you at a later stage and ask you to fill out the STEM Next official Sign-Up form).

Interested in supporting STEM Next?

Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to invest in the future of our local community, directly benefiting hundreds of young people throughout the area and beyond.

Please click here for information on how you can sponsor this project. 

If you have any questions about STEM Next, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Watch STEM Next 2023 Final Celebration

Watch student testimonials from previous competitions to learn more about STEM Next: 

A massive thank you to project sponsors and supporters. Sponsor grid for 2024 coming soon.