Young Scientist of the Year Competitions
Since 2017, CaféSci, Launceston has invited young people studying science at local schools and colleges to compete for the title "CaféScientifique Launceston Young Scientist of the Year" by coming to our July meeting and giving members present a 10 minute presentation on a science or engineering related topic of their choice
There are two competitions each year:
CaféSci, Launceston
Young Scientist of the Year
&
Members' Choice
This year's competitions will be held on Tuesday 14 July at 7.00pm at Eagle House Hotel, Launceston
There is still time to enter!
Read rules below
CaféSci,Launceston
Young Scientist of the Year 2026
Rules opposite
Young Scientist of the Year Competition - Rules
1. Object of the CaféScientifique, Launceston Young Scientist of the Year Competition
To give young people aged 15 years or over in full time education studying in local secondary schools (entrants) the opportunity to prepare and present a talk (presentation) on a science or engineering related topic of their choice to the members of CaféScientifique, Launceston (CaféSci) thereby competing for the title of CaféScientifique, Launceston Young Scientist of the Year (competition) normally at its July meeting.
2. Date of Competition
The date of the competition shall be determined by the committee.
3. Rules of Competition
i. The rules of the competition (rules) are set out in clauses 4 - 7 below as amended by the Annexe 2026 (Annexe)
ii. The committee of CaféSci (committee) may change the rules as necessary at a committee meeting.
4. Presentation
i. Each entrant’s presentation shall be the result of their own work and research, but they may be mentored under the local “Aspire” programme or any similar scheme.
ii. The topic of the presentation must be finalised and communicated to a designated officer of CaféSci as set out in the Annexe.
iii. No presentation shall be longer than 10 minutes. Longer presentations will be marked down.
iv. All presentations are to be made in person.
5. Judges
i. A board of independent judges (judges) appointed by the committee will judge the competition.
ii. The judges’ decision shall be final.
6. Results
The results will be announced at the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter to the entrants and on the Young Scientist of the Year page of the CaféSci website
7. Prizes
i. Money prizes as agreed by the committee and certificates will be awarded to a winner and a runner-up in each category as set out in the Annexe
ii. A Certificate of Participation in the competition will be awarded to all other entrants.
CaféSci,Launceston
Young Scientist of the Year
Members' Choice 2026
Rules opposite
Young Scientist of the Year Competition Members’ Choice Prize Rules
1. Object of the CaféScientifique, Launceston Young Scientist of the Year Competition - Members’ Choice Prize
To give members of CaféScientifique, Launceston (CaféSci) an opportunity to vote for a winner and runner-up in the above competition (competition) (rules annexed) to show their appreciation of the effort made by the entrants, normally at the July meeting (meeting)
2. Date of Competition
The date of the competition shall be determined by the committee.
3. Rules of Competition
i. The rules of the competition (rules) are set out in clauses 4 - 7 below as amended by the Annexe 2026 (Annexe)
ii. The committee of CaféSci may change the rules as necessary at a committee meeting.
4. Members
i. A member of CaféSci email list at the time of the competitions is a member for the purpose of voting.
ii. Only members present at the meeting may vote.
5. Voting
Members shall vote for one winner and one runner up in the competition
6. Results
The results will be announced at the meeting or as soon as practicable thereafter to entrants and on the Young Scientist of the Year page of the CaféSci website
7. Prizes
Money prizes as agreed by the committee and certificates will be
awarded to a winner and a runner-up in the competition as set out in the Annexe.
Annexe 2026
which governs rules above opposite
Young Scientist of the Year Competition & Members’ Choice Prize
Annexe 2026
1. Object of this annexe (Annexe)
i. This Annexe may be changed by the Committee (committee) of CaféScientifique, Launceston (CaféSci) at any time prior to its publication to potential entrants for any given year.
ii. This Annexe forms part of the rules (rules annexed) for each of the above competitions (competitions) for the year 2026
2. Date of Competitions
The date of the competitions shall be Tuesday 14 July 2026.
3. Entrants to the competitions for 2026
i. Entries for 2026 shall be invited from the following: Launceston College, St Joseph’s School, Launceston, Bideford College, Liskeard School & Community College,
ii. All entrants do so with the explicit permission of their parent or guardian to allow their child’s name and photograph to be used in newspaper articles and on the internet connected with reporting and promoting the competitions
iii. To prevent technical difficulties, all presentations must be in Power Point format small enough to be sent by email, in zip file format if required, to Vice-Chair, Professor Michael Moore mnm@pml.ac.uk as set out below.
4. Competition Closing Dates
i. Topics of talks for the Young Scientist of the Year Competition to be sent by email to Vice-Chair, Professor Michael Moore mnm@pml.ac.uk no later than midnight Friday 26 June 2026.
ii. Entries in the form of PowerPoint presentation to be sent by email to Vice-Chair, Professor Michael Moore mnm@pml.ac.uk to arrive no later than midnight Friday 10 July 2026. This deadline is strict and no further alteration of presentation files will be allowed thereafter.
5. Results
The results will be announced at the meeting or as soon as practicable thereafter to entrants, on the Young Scientist of the Year page of the CaféSci website
6. Prizes
Money prizes agreed by the committee for 2026 are as follows
Young Scientist of the Year: First prize £100.00 Second Prize £70.00
Members’ Choice: First prize £50.00 Second Prize £30.00