This academy offers our scientific mentoring and support to help you plan and complete a project in a STEM field.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Please be aware that due to COVID-19 we cannot yet confirm whether this programme will be run in 2021.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please join our mailing list or check back here for updates.
About CREST Academy
The Imperial CREST Academy provides scientific mentoring and support to help students aged 16–18 successfully undertake and submit a project for a British Science Association CREST award.
The CREST awards, dubbed the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Award in Science’, allow you to plan and carry out long-term science projects with guidance from a professional scientist. There are bronze, silver and gold awards up for grabs.
What to expect
Once your school has registered with the Imperial CREST Academy, you will be paired with a scientist at Imperial for a STEM project. We pair you up with the most appropriate scientists we can, based on your topic or area of research.
Each project starts in September and runs over the course of the academic year. Over the course of the year, the scientist will act as your mentor and help you to achieve your research goals. Working with a world-leading Imperial scientist will give you the chance to observe how they plan and carry out their own research project, which will inform your own work.
Previous Imperial CREST projects include:
- Investigating the antibacterial properties of nanoparticles
- Fuel sources for human missions to Mars
- Using bacteria to generate electricity
- Using technology to revive extinct species of animals
At the end of the academic year, you will submit your project to the British Science Association CREST awards.
You will then be invited to our campus for the Imperial CREST Academy conference. Here you will have the chance to present your results to fellow scientists, mentors and family members. Representatives from the British Science Association also attend to judge the awards.
How to apply
Schools and students
To register your interest, ask your school to email the Imperial CREST Academy team.
Prospective mentors (current Imperial staff)
Current researchers at Imperial who want to take part as an Academy mentor should email Dr Simon Foster or Dr Cecilia Johansson.
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