From gravitational waves to targeted cancer therapy: students share research at science conference
Aspiring young scientists came together for an inspiring day of discovery and innovation at the annual Tonbridge Science Conference held in March.
More than 200 students gathered in the award-winning Barton Science Centre to present and share their research at this popular annual event.
Featuring keynote speakers, student presentations and poster sessions, the event provided a dynamic platform for the next generation of researchers to share their work and exchange ideas with peers and visiting academics. All three keynote speakers were previous students at the School, and as Old Tonbridgians they once sat in the same seats as the Sixth Formers attending the Conference, adding a connection that provided a unique feature to this year’s gathering. The event encouraged curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration among students with a shared passion for scientific exploration.
Head of Science Nick Waite said: “The numbers attending the Conference is growing year-on-year, and it is great to welcome so many students eager to share the projects they have been working on over the past year.”
The day began with a welcome and introductions in the EM Forster Theatre, followed by the first keynote lecture from Dr James Alvey, Lecturer in Physics at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. His talk, Understanding the universe using gravitational waves, explored the cosmic events that generate waves in space-time, as predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Dr Alvey explained how this phenomenon is helping scientists learn more about space as they search for signals from the early universe.
Student presentation sessions took place throughout the Barton Science Centre, with topics spanning physics, biology and chemistry. Research subjects included quantum computing, plasma physics, hydrogen propulsion systems and the behaviour of fluids under different temperatures and pressures. Other presentations explored synthetic biology, gene therapy, neuroscience, enzyme optimisation and the role of artificial intelligence in medicine and brain-computer interfaces.
Poster sessions held in the Barton Science Centre atrium gave delegates the opportunity to discuss research informally with student authors. Projects from participating schools were displayed across two floors, with additional research shared by students from Los Altos High School in California.
Delegates also attended a talk about the Young Scientist Journal which highlighted opportunities for students to publish and engage with scientific research beyond the classroom.
The second keynote lecture was given by Greg Silverman, a Business Development Manager specialising in global energy projects. In his talk, Powering the world: applying science at scale, he discussed the role of science and innovation in the development of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.
Later in the afternoon, Max Harman, Associate Research Scientist at Bicycle Therapeutics in Cambridge, delivered the final keynote address, Bicycle peptides: a new paradigm for targeted therapeutics. His presentation explored advances in peptide-based drug discovery and the development of targeted treatments.
UK schools taking part, in addition to Tonbridge, included The Judd School, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Sevenoaks School, Westminster School, The Marsh Academy, Benenden School, St Olave’s Grammar School, Woldingham School, City of London School, City of London School for Girls, Walthamstow Hall, King’s School Canterbury, Winchester College, St Swithun’s School and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School.
The Conference concluded with a closing address from Tonbridge Headmaster James Priory, who thanked students and delegates for their contributions to the day’s discussions and presentations.
