Eighty Five young members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY) are to challenge a panel of experts on the 50 year history of the EU at a special event at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, on Tuesday 20^th of February.  

The talented young people will question a panel of experts chaired by the Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Wallace who is a leading authority on Europe. In this 50^th anniversary year of the signing of the Treaty of Rome the young people will examine and debate how that treaty has evolved into a community of 25 members states and explore what  their hopes, fears and expectations for Europe at 100 when many of the young people will still be around but most of the panel probably will not be. 

Winners of the Chatham House national essay writing competition on 'Europe: The Next 50 Years' will be announced at the event. Young people between the ages of 16 and 19 were invited to give their views on the development of the EU. Professor

Deborah Eyre, NAGTY Director, said:  “The enthusiastic response to this workshop and the essay competition by NAGTY members is particularly heartening at a time when there is widespread concern about aspects of young people's well being in our country.” “Events such as  this present a valuable opportunity for young people to participate in debate and be listened to. They are encouraged to confront key issues facing society as a whole such as  disengagement and apathy, confusion of identity, and a perceived breakdown in moral values.” 

Notes for Editors:  

1. The event is part of NAGTY's popular Experts in Action series, which covers a wide range of academic subjects of interest to members. The series includes subjects as varied as ‘Cracking codes and ciphers’ and ‘Archaeology: the investigation of bodies’ and gives young people up to the age of 19 years the opportunity to learn from and discuss their interests and passions – many of which may not be covered in the school curriculum – with leading authorities and specialists.
2.  The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY) was established in 2002 at the University of Warwick. Its role is to drive forward improvements in gifted and talented education by developing a national catalyst that can provide leadership and support for students and professionals working in this field. To achieve this NAGTY works with students, parents, teachers, education professionals, specialist providers, universities and business. 

For further information please contact:     

Peter Dunn, Press and Media Relations Manager,
University of Warwick, email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk
Tel: 024 76 523708 Mobile: 07767 655860

 PR14 PJD 
19^th February 2007