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As a major international research institution, the University of Leicester has been responsible for a number of inventions over the years.
Now, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the granting of the University’s Royal Charter, it is hosting a competition to encourage the next generation of inventors. The competition, entitled ‘Leicester Invents’, is looking for inventions from school students aged 5-16. The entries judged to be the best student inventions will receive prizes, which include a Nintendo Wii and a Nintendo DS. There will be three different age categories – Ages 5 – 10 (Years 1-5); 10-14 (Years 6-9); and 14-16 (Years 10-11). The overall winner will also win £200 of science equipment for his/her school. Judges from among the University’s leading academics will judge the entries. They will be looking at the finished design; flair, creativity and originality in the design; and (for Years 6-9 and 10-11 only) evidence of some scientific or technological research. To enter, students need to include a drawing or diagram of their invention on a sheet of A4 paper, giving their name, age, year group, name of school, contact details and home phone number written on the back. They will also need to explain, either on the drawing itself or on a separate sheet of paper, what the invention is for and what it is made from. Lucy Wade, who is co-ordinating ‘Leicester Invents’, commented: “We're really looking forward to seeing what the talented learners in Leicestershire and Rutland can design. Some of the University of Leicester’s leading academics will be taking time out to judge the competition, and we're hoping that the prize-giving ceremony on 26th April, part of the 'Celebrate Leicester Day', will be enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved”. The closing date for entries to reach the University will be 4th April 2008, and entries should be sent to: ‘Leicester Invents’ c/o Lucy Wade Schools and Colleges Services University of Leicester University Road Leicester LE1 7RH More details on entering the competition can be found on website: http://www2.le.ac.uk/institution/50-years/invent Prizes will be awarded during the University’s ‘Celebrate Leicester Day’ on Saturday 26th April, at 12 noon in the Charles Wilson Building on the University’s main campus. |
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