Science Fairs in the UK

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Science Fairs in the UK and Research Projects

A few years ago, I took my son to the National Science and Engineering Competition which was held at the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, where he was exhibiting his science research project.
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The fair is carried out every year in the UK to bring together people interested in science and technology and particularly youngsters, providing a platform for companies to showcase what they're all about and people who are curious about science get the opportunity to find out more. In fact, it's the largest celebration of science and engineering for young people in the UK.
As well as the competition organizers and sponsors, members of the public were asking my son about his project, what it was about and so forth. This continued over a few days.
On the last day as we were having lunch when an elderly English man who was standing near us, congratulated me. This is what the man said...
Man: Are You Indian?
Me: Yes
Man: Congratulations, you must be very proud about the achievement.
Me: Yes, I am, thank you.
I thought at this point that he was referring to my son's project. Maybe he was impressed with it. Just to confirm this......
Me: Have you seen my son's project?
Man: Actually, I haven't seen it yet but I'm sure it will be impressive.
Me: So how come you're congratulating me?
Man: Oh, sorry for the confusion, I was talking about India's achievement for launching the Mars Orbiter Mission.
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Me: Ohhhh I see. Yes it's definitely a very big achievement and yes we're really proud.
It was a great feeling to be pin-pointed among so many people and then to be congratulated for something that was carried out thousands of miles away. He was so impressed, he discussed other related Indian science facts and how he thought how great the work of ISRO is. He then stated that this was a huge accomplishment not only for India but for the rest of the world!!
Developments and achievements like this, really elevate India to a higher standing, not only in terms of science but it also familiarises the country and its reputation as a world leader to people across the globe and therefore brings recognition to people associated with India.

 Coming back to the actual science project my son had submitted - It was about Robot Localisation which he had prepared whilst working with a leading professor at Birmingham University during his summer break during his A' levels. He was a runner up and a nominee for the Google prize.

Anyone who wants further detailed information about science projects, science fairs, information regarding how to submit a project or ways of obtaining work experience related to research, feel free to comment below.
Update: My son is now in his final year at university and has been offered an analyst position in a leading Investment Bank in London. During his interview, he was asked to solve a mathematical problem which he was familiar with as he had encountered the very same question at a coaching institute in India while preparing for NTSE (National Talent Search Examination).

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