An Edinburgh student has won a £1000 science and engineering award for her work in the field of Physics, carried out in Kazakhstan.
Katy Pegg, a student of Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh has won the prestigious IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) Trainee of the Year Award. She received the award and a cheque for £1000 from Igor Aleksander, Artificial Intelligence expert and Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London at a ceremony in Westminster.
Katy undertook a two month summer placement at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Republic of Kazakhstan and won the award for a presentation about her experiences. These included working on a particle accelerator, completing complex tests with nothing to guide her but instructions in Russian and being struck by lightning while walking on a glacier. ‘I discovered there is so much more to Kazakhstan than Borat,’ joked Katy.
This year’s success further builds on the continued presence of our students in the final of this competition with Scottish winners taking the honours for the past four consecutive years. The judging panel included Alex Reddaway, a 5th Year Civil Engineering student at Edinburgh University and last year’s runner-up, in place of the 2007 winner Roslyn Clarke, who is currently working in Sweden and was unable to attend.
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said; ‘We congratulate Katy and indeed all of the young people who have taken part in the scheme this year. International links bring a vitally important dimension to the education of our young people ensuring that they build the skills and understanding to become global citizens ready and able to take their place in the world.’
IAESTE is the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience and in the UK is administered by the British Council.
ERASMUS
In other news, Erasmus announced their 2008 Scottish competition winners last month.
University of Edinburgh student, Ailsa Ross, won the essay prize for her composition about her year of study in Copenhagen.
Ailsa said: 'I'm excited to win this prize. There are few chances to move to another country, without having responsibilities back home to deal with. It was an exhilarating experience and the best time of my life.'
Benjamin Cooper, from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen picked up the photography competition prize for his set of six photographs capturing the essence of being an Erasmus student. Ailsa and Benjamin will each receive an award of £250.
Benjamin said: ‘I would highly recommend an Erasmus study period abroad. Studying and working in a society different from your own allows you to learn about yourself and develop by challenging your own boundaries.’
David Hibler, Contract Manager for the Erasmus programme at the British Council said: ‘Erasmus is an excellent opportunity for UK students and the competition gives us all the chance to have a glimpse of the life-changing experiences that our ‘Erasmus Stars’ enjoy.'
'Their essays and photographs provide an insight into the benefits of the programme and its impact on the lives of those who take part. As well as becoming more confident, self-reliant and better-prepared for their future careers, Erasmus students gain an international perspective that the classroom alone cannot offer. We hope their stories and images will encourage future students to experience Erasmus for themselves.’
Erasmus is the European Commission's flagship educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions. It was introduced with the aim of increasing student mobility within Europe. It encourages student and staff mobility for work and study, and promotes trans-national co-operation projects among universities across Europe.
The British Council is the UK National Agency for Erasmus. The British Council administers and promotes the programme within UK Higher Education.
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