European Commission
Press release
Bratislava, 25 September 2012
24th EU Contest for Young Scientists finds future leaders
Europe's best young scientific minds met in Bratislava today for the 24th annual Awards Ceremony for the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). The top three prizes went to teams from Ireland, Poland and Austria for projects in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering. Runners up were also recognised for their projects in areas as diverse as Physics, Computer science, Mathematics, Social sciences and Biology. This year, Canada won the International Prize for contestants from outside the EU with a project in Environment. This year's competition attracted 117 contestants aged 14 to 21, grouped in 79 projects, from 36 countries and EU schools.
European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said: "I congratulate all participants in this year's contest. The quality of entries is as always very high, and encouraging for the future of research in Europe. Past winners have gone on to prestigious careers in research, for instance at the European Space Agency and CERN. Europe must continue to nurture its best brains if it wants to lead in the 21st century."
The projects were assessed by an international jury chaired by Maria Ana Viana-Baptista, professor of geophysics at Lisbon Engineering Institute (ISEL), and the panel included two past EUCYS winners. All entries had already won first prize in their country's respective national science contests in their specific field. The topics covered a broad spectrum of scientific areas: biology, physics, chemistry, computing, social sciences, environment, mathematics, materials, engineering and medicine.
Background
The European Union Contest for Young Scientists was set up by the European Commission in 1989 to encourage co-operation and interchange between young scientists and to give them an opportunity to be guided by some of Europe's most prominent researchers.
Through the contest, the EC seeks to strengthen efforts made in participating countries to attract young people to careers in science and research.
Full details of this year's contest can be found at: http://www.media.eucys2012.eu/. All three first prize winning teams were awarded €7,000; second and third-placed teams received €5,000 and €3,500 respectively. Other prizes included trips to the London International Youth Science Forum and the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar, prizes from corporate sponsors as well as awards from the European Commission's in house science service, the Joint Research Centre, pan-European research organisation group Eiroforum and the European Patent Office.
As well as the awards ceremony, the young scientists were able to display their projects at a four-day exhibition and take part in a number of workshops and side conferences.
More information about the contest and past winners can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/research/youngscientists/index_en.cfm
Contacts : Michael Jennings (+32 2 296 33 88) Monika Wcislo (+32 2 295 56 04) |
Annex 1
PRIZE-WINNERS
24th European Union Contest for Young Scientists
FIRST PRIZES (€ 7.000 per Project)
Country | Ireland |
Contestant | Mark James Kelly (18) & Eric Doyle (17) |
Scientific Field | Physics |
Project Title | Simulation accuracy in the gravitational many-body problem |
Short Summary | The publication, in 2008, of Dr Diarmuid Ó’Mathúna’s book Integrable Systems in Celestial Mechanics was a very significant event in the long history of Celestial Mechanics. In this book Ó’Mathúna provides formulas for the bound orbits of a light particle moving in the gravitational field of two fixed massive particles, a problem that had remained unsolved for two hundred and fifty years since it was first proposed by Euler about 1760. Ó’Mathúna’s work has an important practical application. We show that the Ó’Mathúna orbits provide very severe tests of the accuracy of the simulation algorithms commonly used in the gravitational many-body problem. We also describe a new class of efficient simulation algorithms specifically tailored for use in gravitational many-body simulations. |
Country | Poland |
Contestant | Jakub Nagrodzki (16) |
Scientific Field | Chemistry |
Project Title | Development of molecular patches therapy: trimethylguanosine cap analogues synthesis |
Short Summary | The aim of this research was synthetizing a modified molecule of a chemical compound naturally occurring in living organisms – a trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap analogue. Thanks to complicated interactions with different factors, this compound enables various molecules; to which therapeutics belong, to enter the nucleus of the cell. This is where the scientists’ hopes for new treatments for genetic diseases lay. Using TMG cap analogues, it is already possible to treat i.e. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a fatal, sex-linked, genetic disease. The therapy has, however, many imperfections. Modification introduced to the structure of the molecule in this research is believed to help eliminate them. It can thus be described as the announcement of the only and the most promising chance for patients with various genetically inherited diseases. |
Country | Austria |
Contestant | Philip Huprich (19), Manuel Scheipner (19), Daniel Zindl (19) |
Scientific Field | Engineering |
Project Title | Cam Guard |
Short Summary | Clean, clear images. The special challenge of this project consists of designing a completely new concept of a blow off device for the protection of cameras working with compressed air. We had to analyse the existing blow off system, study the aerodynamic fundamentals, design a prototype and inspect its flow characteristics with the support of a simulation programme. The next step was to build a functional model and test it under real conditions in its future operation area. In the course of time, we found that one system would be able to meet our high expectations. We improved this concept and were even able to partially manufacture it in the school’s workshop. Furthermore we had to design a system which connects our device to the existing camera case. We had to beware of the extreme precise camera optics and the high temperatures and therefore involved thermal expansions. Because of the fact that our prototype exceeded all our expectations in several tests, we wanted to prove its full functionality at the grounds of the voestalpine. Therefore we tested our system two months under real environmental influences. We used the knowledge we got out of the feedback to improve our construction to design a profitable device. The organisational effort should not be left out of sight because as students we had to get knowhow of lots of for us new matter. |
SECOND PRIZES (€ 5.000 per project)
Country | Switzerland |
Contestant | Nevzet Khasanov (20) |
Scientific Field | Physics |
Project Title | Diffusion cloud chamber: the visible radioactivity |
Short Summary | The present work describes the assembly as well as the experiments conducted by means of air-cooled cloud chamber with peltier elements. The main goal is to visualize the invisible radioactivity as well as to demonstrate this phenomenon to general public. The experimental part includes such experiments as observation of the natural radioactivity (α, β, μ, no source), analysis of the types of charged particles, observation of collisions of charged particles (changing the orbit; "secondary ionization" - δ-electrons), observation of the radioactive decay of different sources (U238, Rn220, Am 241, Sr90), deflection of the β -particles in the magnetic field and determination of their charge, calculation of their speed and energy, calculation of the half-life time of Rn220 (Calculated: t1/2 = 58 sec.; literature: t1/2 Literature value = 58 sec.), observation and the analysis of the “Compton scattering” and observation of the cosmic rays in the higher altitudes (Swiss alps). |
Country | Germany |
Contestant | Jan Michael Rapp (20) & Timo Schmetzer (18) |
Scientific Field | Computing |
Project Title | Information technology for a feedback control |
Short Summary | Car engines, printers and hard drives: all three involve electronic control systems that, for example, control injection nozzles, paper feeders and reading heads. Jan Rapp and Timo Schmetzer have built a similar electronic control system consisting of a plate that is able to be tilted by motors and computer-controlled so that a ball can be balanced on it. The secret is a 3D camera that monitors how the ball rolls. The two have written a software program to analyse the camera images and control the motors to keep the ball from rolling off the plate. The software system has been designed to be flexible, so that it can be used not only for balancing acts but for other control tasks as well. |
Country | Denmark |
Contestant | Asbjørn Christian Nordentoft (19) |
Scientific Field | Mathematics |
Project Title | Applications of Dirichlet series |
Short Summary | In my project I compare the analytic and elementary approach to number theoretical problems. It is fascinating that a number theoretical theorem can be proven using both elementary and analytic methods, because number theory and analysis on the surface are two very different branches of mathematics. In the paper I give both elementary and analytic proofs to three number theoretical theorems and compare the different proofs from both a mathematical and intuitive point of view. I also give my own elegant proof of a theorem concerning residues and prime numbers which usually is proved using classical number theory. |
THIRD PRIZES (€ 3.500 per Project)
Country | Estonia |
Contestant | Anna Maria Punab (20) |
Scientific Field | Social Sciences |
Project Title | The relationships between academic achievements and happiness among students in secondary education |
Short Summary | The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between subjective well-being (happiness), autonomy, social support and school grades among late adolescents. For this purpose a survey was carried out among 211 11th year students. It revealed that neither the average grade, which was based on students’ self-reported grades in Mathematics, native language, History and the first foreign language, nor the average grade in the three most important subjects for the student were in correlation by either happiness or satisfaction with life. However students who had more supporting figures on their lives were happier and received better grades. Interestingly, the support from peers was more strongly associated with the average grade whereas support from parents correlated with the average grade in three most important subjects for the student. Autonomy on the other hand was only related to the grade in the first foreign language. |
Country | Poland |
Contestant | Anna Julia Kuśnierczak (18) |
Scientific Field | Biology |
Project Title | Alternative pollination: influence of different ecosystems on the reproduction of red mason bee (Osmia rufa L.) on the example of a meadow, an orchard, a forest and an arboretum |
Short Summary | Due to the decreasing number of honeybees, the role of alternative pollinators becomes increasingly important. Red mason bee (Osmia rufa L.) is a solitary bee which was shown to be a successful pollinator. Therefore, the aim of my study was to search for the best environment that provides the most intense reproduction of red mason bee. Four ecosystems: the meadow, the forest, the orchard and the arboretum were tested. A total of 3600 red mason bee cocoons were placed near 48 artificial nests made of reed tubes. Weekly observations were then carried out. The meadow turned out to be the most favourable environment, as the increase of the population size was almost 4 times higher in the next generation. The second favourable location was the orchard. Lower increase of the population size was observed in the forest and surprisingly, the lowest in arboretum. |
Country | Belarus |
Contestant | Pavel Litvinka (17) |
Scientific Field | Computing |
Project Title | Development of hardware and software complex for the formation of three-dimensional image |
Short Summary | The hardware and software complex "IMPOSSIBLE Box" is based on the original, developed by the author, technique that allows you to get a three-dimensional image from a flat drawing by adding special markers. It does not require the use of additional species. The technique combines the processes of drawing and modelling, which allows to fully automating the process of constructing the facility. Bright presentation of information, opportunities embodiment of spatial forms, make the developed complex demand for all types of design, advertising, training, film making industry, simulation. |
INTERNATIONAL PRIZE (€ 5.000 per project)
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
Canada | Adam Joel Noble | 18 | Environment | Euglena: the solution to nanosilver pollution |
HONORARY AWARDS
Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar 2012
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
AT | Philip Huprich Manuel Scheipner Daniel Zindl | 19 19 19 | Engineering | Cam Guard |
London International Youth Science Forum 2012
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
IE | Mark James Kelly Eric Doyle | 18 17 | Physics | Simulation accuracy in the gravitational many-body problem |
PL | Jakub Nagrodzki | 16 | Chemistry | Development of molecular patches therapy: trimethylguanosine cap analogues synthesis |
SPECIAL DONATED PRIZES
There are 19 special donated prizes: a five-day visit of a technical and cultural nature to the
European Patent Office in Munich and a one-week stay at each of the eight members of
EIROforum:
• CERN: The European Laboratory for Particle Physics
• EFDA: The European Fusion Development Agreement
• EMBL: The European Molecular Biology Laboratory
• ESA: The European Space Agency
• ESO: The European Southern Observatory
• ESRF: The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
• ILL: The Institut Laue-Langevin
• European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser Facility GmbH
The European Patent Office, Munich, Germany
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | ||||||
PT |
| Biology | Flies on the phone | |||||||
TK |
| Physics | Determining the thickness of transparent thin layers in digital media by means of double slit method | |||||||
CZ | Adam Heinrich | 20 | Engineering | Visually programmable mobile controller for personal automation | ||||||
EIROForum Prizes
CERN: The European Laboratory for Particle Physics
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | |||||||||
FR |
| Engineering | Hexapedal Robot | ||||||||||
EFDA-JET
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
DE | Timm Piper | 16 | Physics | Darkfield contrast microscope |
ESA
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
SV | Nils Wilhelm Ygge | 19 | Engineering | Project Millenium Falcon |
EMBL
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
SL | Tim Prezelj | 18 | Biology | A novel tyrosinase - TLR4 protein as a potential vaccine for melanoma |
ESO
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
UK | Thomas Glenn Myers | 18 | Physics | Gravitational lensing |
ILL
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | ||||
AT |
| Biology | ICA-Method | |||||
European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser Facility GmbH
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
IL | Alfarook Abu Alhassan | 18 | Physics | Water crystallization kinetics in porous media |
ESRF
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | |
UK | Helen Mary Sheehan | 18 | Materials | Processing and characterisation of SHS 7574 Nanosteel by Selective Laser Melting | |
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) Prizes
Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP)
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | ||||||||
IT |
| Biology | A new protocol for the diagnosis of GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) and non GISTs | |||||||||
Institute for Protection and Security of the Citizen (IPSC)
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
UKR | Oleksandr Guryanov | 16 | Mathematics | Digital signature systems on elliptic curves in the Edwards form |
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES)
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
NO | Elise Marguerite Damstra | 18 | Biology | How forest degradation affects reptiles in a Madagascan spiny forest |
Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM)
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
CZ | Eliška Zlámalová | 19 | Chemistry | Monitoring of the molecular basis of drug abuse |
The Intel ISEF 2012 Prizes
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title | ||||||
BY | Raman Birulia | 16 | Mathematics | The probability of generating the symmetric group with a commutator condition | ||||||
IT |
| Engineering | CNC milling machine | |||||||
SK | Peter Horváth | 19 | Chemistry | Synthesis of triazene compounds and their application in spectrophotometric determination of cadmium | ||||||
EuCheMS special donated prize
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
SK | Peter Horváth | 19 | Chemistry | Synthesis of triazene compounds and their application in spectrophotometric determination of cadmium |
Host Organisation Special Donated Prizes
Prize of Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
DE | Alexander Emhart | 19 | Chemistry | Electrolytic raffination of hydrogen |
Volkswagen Slovakia Special Prize
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
EL | Charalampos Ioannou | 17 | Engineering | Device which enhances and supports the movement of the human palm |
The Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic Special Prize
Country | Contestants | Age | Scientific Field | Project Title |
HU | Gergely Papp | 19 | Engineering | Resonantial-cone loudspeaker with neodym magnet |
