AT its recent July meeting, CaféScientifique, Launceston (CaféSci) once again invited students in Year 11 at Launceston College, taking part in its ‘Aspire’ programme, to give their own presentations on scientific topics to the assembled membership.

As last year, the students taking part gave a wide-ranging set of talks, competing for prizes, this year in the categories: ‘Life Sciences’ and ‘Science and the Arts’. There was also a ‘Members’ Choice’ award.

After the five talks followed by question and answer sessions, the meeting adjourned as usual for coffee and cakes while the judges deliberated and the votes for Members’ Choice scrutinised.

CaféSci committee member and chair of judges, Professor Michael Moore, announced the results.

‘Life Sciences’ — Joint prize-winners Coral Benfield for her talk ‘What bacteria can teach us about human medicine’ and Ellie Fish for ‘The SSRIs’; highly commended — Sam Harrison for his talk ‘Addiction’.

‘Science and the Arts’ — Prize-winner Rosie Sheldrake for ‘Flinders Petrie’; highly commended — Millie Haydon for ‘The Renaissance — the Rebirth of Science’.

‘Members’ Choice’ — Prize-winner Ellie Fish; highly commended — Rosie Sheldrake.

The Launceston College Aspire programme identifies able students and offers these students opportunities to develop their thinking and their academic confidence through a range of extra events, visits and experiences including being mentored by volunteer experts including CaféSci founder, Professor Colin Webb and Professor Fenella Wojnarowska and Brenda Hooton, CaféSci committee members.

All who attended had a very enjoyable and instructive evening and it is hope to repeat the awards next year.