Science Snippets: young scientists take the stage
The much-anticipated Science Snippets competition returned to Tonbridge School’s Barton Science Centre (BSC) for its fifth consecutive year, continuing to grow in both scale and reputation. This year’s event attracted talented young scientists from across the South East and, for the first time, from Wales, with entries from Monmouth School.
New for 2026 was the introduction of a Year 6-8 category, which proved hugely popular, receiving more than 90 video submissions. In total, over 150 entries were received, with 34 finalists selected to present live at the BSC. Each finalist was challenged to deliver a presentation designed to captivate, inform and inspire.
The evening was hosted by James Fisher, Deputy Head Co-Curricular, alongside Tonbridge School Science Ambassador Nico (SH4). The judging panel was chaired by Professor Steve Cross, renowned science communicator and comedian, and included Paul Rickard, Head of Science at Woldingham School; Sharon Swade, Headteacher at Hilden Oaks Prep School; Nick Waite, Head of Science at Tonbridge School; and Thomas Fisher, Tonbridge School Science Ambassador.
The competition featured three age categories: Years 6-8, Years 9-11 and Years 12-13. Competitors in the Years 6-8 category were tasked with explaining complex scientific ideas in just three minutes, while older students delivered four-minute presentations, all aimed at a Novi (Year 9) audience. The format reflected Richard Feynman’s principle, “If you can’t explain something to a first-year student, then you haven’t really understood it.” Presentations were judged on content, clarity, creativity and audience engagement.
Prize winners
Years 6-8
1st place: Charles William, The New Beacon School – “Target Acquired: Lasers are Everywhere”
2nd place: Margot White, Hazelwood School – “Has a New Colour Been Invented?”
3rd place: Lucas Wong, Shrewsbury House School – “The Legends of My Three Formula 1 Cars”
Years 9-11
1st place: Druha Chandrashekhar, The Judd School – “What if Stress is Secretly Controlling How Much You Eat?”
2nd place: Llewellyn Evans, Monmouth School – “The World’s Largest Organism”
3rd place: Will Thorneycroft, Tonbridge School – “Confessions of a ChatGPT Hater: Explaining AlphaFold”
Years 12-13
1st place: Charlotte Poon, Caterham School – “How Bacteria Turns Plastics into Paracetamol”
2nd place: Mimi Gygiel, Woldingham School – “Time Dilation”
3rd place: Victoria Stefak, Caterham School – “Why Does Music Survive When Memory Dies?”
Professor Steve Cross commented, “Wow! I was blown away by the quality of the presentations tonight. Congratulations to every student who took part for delivering talks that grabbed my attention, made me care and revealed some fascinating science. I hope you all continue developing these communication skills because they will open doors to great opportunities in the future.”
Lisa Alford, Science Coordinator, said, “Just when I thought the competition couldn’t get any better, the bar has been raised once again. The introduction of the Year 6-8 category demonstrated that curiosity and enthusiasm for science begin at an early age. It was particularly inspiring to see a Year 4 pupil place third in the category, highlighting the confidence and talent of these young scientists. The standard of presentations across all categories was exceptional and showcased the remarkable breadth of scientific interest and communication skills on display. Events like this remind us that the future of science is in very capable hands.”
