Who we are

The North Wales Young Researchers Conference

The Organisers

Dr Laura Hanks of Lancaster University, founder of the North Wales Young Researchers Conference, has joined Lancaster University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, Bangor City Council, Seren Academy and Bangor University to create a unique opportunity for AS and A-level students across North Wales. Together, this team will teach, support and host AS and A-level students, all working toward creating a research conference and science communication competition.

Laura Hanks

Laura Hanks

Dr Laura Hanks is a senior research associate at Lancaster University who originated from North Wales and is keen to extend the opportunity of taking part in the more innovative side of research to AS and A-level students in hopes of inspiring the next generation of researchers. Having recently taken part in STEM for Britain, a UK-wide poster competition for early career researchers, she has a newfound appreciation for science communication aimed at public audiences, a passion she hopes to pass on to the participants of NWYRC.

  • Lancaster University

    Lancaster University is very excited to be supporting the North Wales Young Researchers Conference. This is one of many initiatives ongoing at Lancaster University to engage with schools and colleges, generating opportunities to gain essential skills for further education. NWYRC is unique however in that the focus is on innovation, research and impact in STEM subjects as well as generating an opportunity to teach science communication to AS/A-Level students. We are very happy to support both the organisers and the students in this endeavour and will continue to provide teaching materials and resources to allow AS and A-Level students university quality teaching and exciting opportunities throughout the process.

  • Seren Academy

    The Seren Academy is a fully funded Welsh Government initiative dedicated to supporting Wales’ most able state educated learners within years 8 to 13, to achieve their full academic potential. This initiative is inclusive to all learners from state schools and further education colleges across Wales, regardless of their economic background, personal situation, or location. Learners are provided with extensive national and regional activities oragnised through a collaboration between the Welsh Government, schools, colleges, leading universities, Seren Graduates, local authorities and third sector organisations. The North Wales branch of the Seren Academy have bridged the gap between the students and collaborators, facilitating a program of learning and ensuring the opportunity is extended across North Wales.

  • Bangor City Council

    It is with great pleasure that Bangor City Council agreed to host the North Wales Young Researchers Conference. North Wales has a rich history of producing some of the most notable scientists and inventions and Bangor City Council is keen to inspire the next generation to continue bringing this rich history into the modern day. This competition and conference, the first for this age group in the United Kingdom, is designed to encourage young people to engage with scientific research and develop skills that will assist them on their journey to university and on into the wider science community. These skills include research skills, scoping innovative projects, communication of ideas and presentation proficiencies to lay audiences are also transferable and will be of benefit in the wider working environment. Bangor City Council are looking forward to seeing the innovative research that the AS and A-level students of North Wales produce for the NWYRC in March 2024.

  • Bangor University

    As Bangor University marks its 140th year, we are thrilled to support the North Wales Young Researchers Conference, as part of the Bangor Science Festival being held during British Science Week from the 8th to the 11th of March. Our aim is to see north Wales schools actively engage with both the festival and conference, inspiring the scientists of tomorrow. With the festival's sustainability theme and the conference's focus on future technology, students have a unique platform to nurture creative ideas and propose solutions for tomorrow's challenges. We eagerly anticipate welcoming NWYRC participants to Pontio for the festival and look forward to collaborative efforts with our NWYRC partners in the months ahead as we collectively shape the future of scientific exploration.

Get in touch

For all questions and queries about the conference, please get in touch with us via email

Email us

Linked icons