University sponsorship for young scientist.
A student from St Alban’s Academy in Birmingham has been awarded the Millennium Point Young Innovator Prize – an initiative which has secured them a place on a sponsored undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
Malik Sheryar-Karamat competed against three other finalists in a nail-biting live final at Millennium Point on Tuesday, 17th March, where he presented to an audience and an esteemed judging panel in order to win his place on a three-year course starting in September.
The judging panel was made up of Philip Singleton, CEO at Millennium Point, Paul Glennon, assistant director for partnerships and collaboration from Birmingham City University and Lauren Deere, visitor services manager at Thinktank and Birmingham Museums.
The 18-year-old winner who impressed the judges with his presentation on ‘Will robots save or destroy us?’ will also gain experience in the workplace through a summer placement with Millennium Point. Malik Sheryar-Karamat says: “Taking part in the Young Innovator Prize final has been so rewarding but to win the prize is definitely a dream come true. I am so thankful that I can carry on my passion for mechanical engineering at Birmingham City University.
“I am very grateful to be given the opportunity, which will give me the chance to broaden my knowledge and expand my education and hopefully lead to a career in a science-based subject.”
In collaboration with the British Science Association, STEMNET and the Association of Science Education, Millennium Point launched the initiative last year and identified schools in Birmingham whose Year 13 pupils would benefit most from financial assistance. Each school then nominated students who they believed to be worthy of the prize. Runners-up were Imran Choudhury and Rayyan Abdool-Carrim from Holte School, and Hannah Begum from Swanshurst School.
Philip Singleton, chief executive at Millennium Point, says: “With the youngest population of any city in Europe, it’s important that Birmingham takes action to ensure a generation is not deprived of opportunities.
“The Young Innovator Prize is just one way we can support the young and talented individuals we have in our fantastic city and give them the chance to shine, follow their dreams and build a successful career. I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Malik for winning the prize and, on behalf of everyone involved in the Young Innovator Prize, I wish them all the best for a bright and promising future.”
Simon Handley, associate dean for academic portfolio and market development from Birmingham City University, added: “It has been an honour to partner with Millennium Point to create this opportunity for a young individual who we hope will go on to have a flourishing and rewarding experience at Birmingham City University.
“We hope the Young Innovator Prize will continue for years to come and provide further opportunities for ambitious young individuals who wish to continue their passion for science, technology and engineering.”
