Faraday Conference Outreach Competition

Have you ever thought that you could solve climate change?

Are you passionate about climate change? Do you have creative ideas that could be demonstrated at an academic conference? Looking for something incredible to add to your UCAS application?

Now is your chance - get involved with our competition!

What is the Faraday Institution Conference?

The Faraday Institution annual conference aims to once again convene the Energy Storage community of academics, industry organisations, policy makers and funders from the UK and internationally. This year’s conference is kindly hosted by the University of Warwick.

Professor Louis Piper of University of Warwick shared: “It is a pleasure and an honour to continue with the Faraday Institution Conference, committed to building a rich ecosystem for the battery community!”

What is the School Competition?

Batteries are key to a cleaner, greener future and tackling climate change. This is a crucial topic for young people who will shape tomorrow's world!

The Faraday Institution STEM competition connects young voices with top battery and energy researchers. It’s your chance to share ideas, learn from cutting-edge research, and gain insight into careers in academia and battery technology. Get inspired to become the next generation of engineers, chemists, and physicists who will drive change!

The University of Warwick are working with the Faraday Institution have develop a competition to find inspiring new ideas from young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Who can get involved?

Short version: Sixth form students in schools that work with the University of Warwick.

The competition will initially be opened and advertised to schools with sixth forms whom the University of Warwick has an existing relationship with (e.g. Experience Warwick, Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme).

Sixth form students are invited to take part in the competition, working in groups of 3 to 5 students.

Students should work in partnership with their teachers to ensure that they are supported in attending the conference if their entry is shortlisted by the judging panel.

What are we looking for?

The theme of the competition is:

Batteries will have impacts on climate change over the next 25 years.

We are looking for students to create something that explores this theme, potentially considering:

• How technology could impact the UK.
• How local efforts could scale up to have global impact.
• How the every day lives of people could be impacted.
• What everyday people can do to help.
• How technology development will impact everyday people.
• How we can develop the skills and people needed to make sure technology has a positive impact.

Students could submit:

• An academic-style poster
• A physical model/diorama
• A piece of artwork

How to submit your entry:

• Entries should be submitted by a teacher.
• The 'submit your entry' form on this page can be used by a teacher to submit your work.
• Submissions must be made by 17:00 on 27th June 2025.

Guidelines

Each submission should consist of:

• A picture of the finished work
• A description of the work
• An explanation of how it links to the theme

Students should work in teams of 3-5 people.

What are the benefits of taking part for students?

For students taking part:

This competition could be used to support a UCAS personal statement, or potentially as part of an EPQ.

• Support a personal statement
• Support a UCAS application
• Form part of an EPQ or other additional qualification
• Chance to explore a local university
• Chance to practice analytical and presentation skills.

For schools taking part:

• Visit from a battery researcher to your school.
• Resources and support from the WMG Outreach team and the Faraday Institution.

What are the benefits of taking part for schools?

For schools taking part:

• Visit from a battery researcher to your school.
• Resources and support from the WMG Outreach team and the Faraday Institution.

What is the process for entries?

All entries:

Entries that make the shortlist:

• Workshops and talks on University life
• Visit the University of Warwick to attend the final day of the Faraday Institution Conference.

Winners of the competition:

• Be presented with an award at the conference.

Process and dates

Supported by:

Special thanks to Lizzie Driscoll of the University of Birmingham.