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Competition

UK Junior Water Prize

Support your students in conducting a water-based research project for a chance to win a trip to World Water Week in Stockholm!

UK Junior Water Prize

The UK Junior Water Prize (UKJWP) is a national STEM competition for young people aged 15–20, challenging them to tackle local, national, or global water issues through a practical and innovative research project. Participants will develop skills in climate awareness, scientific investigation, academic writing, and presenting findings to expert juries.

The winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to Stockholm during World Water Week (22–27 August) to represent the UK in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize international final, competing for US$15,000. The runner up will receive £500.

All shortlisted students will present their project at an in person jury day in the week of 25 May, with an opportunity to ask the jury panel questions about their work and background. The shortlisted students are also invited to attend CIWEM’s Flood & Coast conference (9–11 June in Liverpool) where they can meet water specialists and early career professionals.

Key dates
• Competition closes: 5 May at 9am
• Jury interview: one day in the week of 25 May – in person (required)
• Conference: 9–11 June – in person (optional)
• International final: 22–27 August – in person (required)

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

Subjects and topics

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Agriculture and food
    • Biotechnology
    • Chemical engineering
    • Design, art and fashion
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • Energy and environment
    • Entertainment, sound and lighting
    • General engineering
    • Humanitarian aid
    • Materials, products and manufacturing
    • Mechanical engineering, systems and processes
    • Medicine and healthcare
    • Space and aerospace engineering
    • Sport and fitness
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering
    • Transport

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

  • Linking curriculum learning to careers
  • Encounters with employers and employees
  • Experiences of workplaces

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Creativity - Using imagination and generating new ideas

  • Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information

  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges

  • Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas

  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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