Young STEM experts' packaging test to boost interest in science

Some of the brightest young science talents in China and around the world have been given a chance to shine on the global stage after details of the British International Education Association, or BIEA's, 2021 STEM challenge were revealed.

The competition aims to encourage a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, collectively known as STEM, in young people aged from 9 to 21, focusing on affordable materials being used to address issues of relevance to young people's lives.

It has expanded significantly in its short history, and last year drew entries from 55 countries, with China particularly well represented.

The theme for 2021 is sustainable food packaging at schools and in the workplace, and speaking at the competition launch, the BIEA's chairman of STEM, David Hanson, said he hoped it would generate another big international response, particularly as this year sees the United Kingdom host the COP26 climate conference, in Glasgow in November.

"Our actions affect our planet, and STEM has a critical role to play in dealing with the legacies of the past and in shaping our future," he said at the competition's recent launch.

"Used wisely, STEM can be a force for good, and it will be needed as we tackle the huge environmental and climate challenges we face. We run global events and competitions that will capture the imagination of young people who care deeply about the planet."

The 2021 competition was launched at the same time as a virtual prizegiving took place for the BIEA's fall 2020 challenge, Create a Future We Want to Visit, which saw students in the UK and China address the question of how to turn food waste into renewable resources.

In a video message, the competition's China organizer, Jun Zhao, office director of the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center for Young People, paid tribute to students who participated in the fall challenge, and said he hoped this enthusiasm would be carried into the 2021 competition.

"The pandemic has not stopped us from pursuing sustainable development goals (SDG), as the SCLSCC had designed and launched the activity … turning kitchen waste into treasure," Zhao said.

"Teenagers across the country responded positively and signed up for activities. 150 families in China together with the teenagers from the UK, were selected to participate … and the activity received sustainable support and a great praise from the United Nations development program in China, and the United Nations volunteers program in China.

"By adding values such as hardworking creates beauty, and science and technology enable an environmentally friendly life, the activities empowered young people and offered a stage for them to participate and implement SDGs during the pandemic," Zhao said.

The SCLSCC this year will focus on enlightening and guiding the youth to use STEM innovation scientific ideas, to repack food delivery packages and reduce the use of plastic products that contribute to climate change and implement SDGs, he said.

"I sincerely wish the 2021 STEM competition will achieve great success. I look forward to seeing project results from all of you."