We are pleased to announce that the Competition has returned for the academic year 2024/25. Due to the high numbers of entries, this year the competition will be split into a UK competition and an International competition. This page is for the UK competition and team registration is now open and team submissions can be made here. For the international competition please find more information on the International Competition page
FoNS Science Competition
About the Competition
The Science & Innovation Competition, which is run by the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College, is open to teams of young people of primary and secondary school age based in the UK. We welcome entries not only from schools, but also from community and youth groups.
The purpose of the competition is to motivate young people to engage with science, to encourage them to work together as part of a team and to engage them in a fun activity that is motivated by their curiosity and drive.
Previously named the ‘Schools Science & Innovation competition’ we are delighted to announce that this year we will be opening the competition up to groups beyond secondary school students, such as youth centres, youth groups (Girlguiding, Scout movement) and community groups. We are also proud to announce the formation of two new categories, the first for young people aged 4 – 11, the second for teams of all ages, including adults.
How to enter:
Teams will be asked to develop a new and innovative scientific solution to help achieve one of the United Nation’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development. To enter, teams will be asked to create a 5-minute film that:
- Briefly outlines the goal they have selected
- Describes their innovative solution
- Explains the science behind their idea
- Illustrates how their idea would address the goal.
Initial entries will be judged by our team at Imperial College London and finalists will be selected and invited to participate in the finals at Imperial College
Examples of previous video entries:
St George's Primary school (4-11 winners [22/23])
Streatham and Clapham High School (11 - 14 winners [22/23])
Streatham and Clapham High School (14 - 16 winners [22/23])
Oxford International College (16 - 19 winners [22/23])
Wimbledon High school (16 - 19 finalists [22/23])
Competition categories:
The competition is open to UK based teams in the following age groups and we welcome teams and groups not only from schools, but from community groups such as youth centres, the scouting movement, Girl guides, charitable organisations etc.
- 4 - 11 years old: This category is open to all young people aged 4 – 11 years old and entries can be made from primary schools or community groups.
- 11 – 14 years old: This category is open to teams of young people who are in Key stage 3 of education.
- 14 – 16 years old: This category is open to teams of young people who are in Key stage 4 of education.
- 16 – 19 years old: This category is open to teams of young people who are in Key stage 5 of education.
- Open group: This category is open to team of all ages (including adults) and we particularly welcome entries from community groups, charity organisations, youth group etc.
Learn more
Learn more about the competition, and the teams that have taken part to date in our Schools Science Competition Impact Report.
Competition timings:
The competition opens in late-September and teams must be pre-registered by Friday 13th December and must then submit their formal entry to the competition by Friday 24th January. Entries are shortlisted and successful teams notified at the beginning of February. The final event takes place in April at Imperial College’s main campus in South Kensington, date to be confirmed.
How to enter
Teams must consist of 2 - 4 individuals, with a teacher, group leader or other responsible adult acting as a mentor and point of contact.
Mixed age group teams are welcome and can be entered into either by entering the category matching the oldest member of the team, or the Open category.
Terms of entry
The competition is open to all UK based groups and organisations, not just schools. If you have any questions please contact fonsschoolscompetition@imperial.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.
If you are a school or organisation based outside the UK, we are proud to announce the launch of the International Science and Innovation competition, and more information and how to enter can be found here.