A READING student has been selected as a finalist for a global science communication competition.
Maxim Kyrychuk, a Sixth-Form student at Little Heath School, has been selected as one of the global finalists in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.
The BJC is an annual competition which celebrates science communication in video form created by school students, and this year marks ten years since it was founded.
Maxim’s entry to the competition is a two-minute film explaining gravitational waves, in which he uses simple analogies and explanation filmed on location to make the subject matter more accessible for younger students.
He has been selected as one of 30 finalists from more than 2,000 submissions.
Submissions are judged on the ability of the entrants to communicate complex scientific ideas in engaging and imaginative ways.
Winners receive a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship and a $50,000 prize for their teacher.
It also includes an investment of $100,000 (around £76,000) in a new science laboratory for his school, which would support facilities and teaching at Little Heath.
If Maxim wins, he will be the first British student to do so.
The event is organised by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, co-founded by Julia and Yuri Milner.
An international popular vote is now open for the entrants in this year’s competition, closing on December 9.
The entrant with the highest total likes and reactions on both YouTube and Facebook will skip the last judging stage to go straight to the final judging pool, where the winner is decided.
Maxim currently specialises in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach, after achieving 10 Grade 9 level GCSEs.
Maxim said: “This film lets me share a fascination and excitement I have for both space and science, hopefully allowing me to reach and inspire children all across the globe.”
John Salberg, Headteacher at The Wren School, Maxim’s former school, said: “Maxim is an exceptional student, who embodies the values and ambition of The Wren School.
“We are proud to stand with him and celebrate his work and thinking as a breakthrough scientist.
“He has got us all thinking and asking those challenging questions–Well done Maxim.”
Toby Jessop, Head of Sixth Form at Little Heath School, said: “Maxim has shown incredible determination throughout this challenge.
“His commitment, resilience, and willingness to push beyond his comfort zone have been outstanding.
“The way he uses simple science based examples to explain difficult science theories is phenomenal.
“I would like to wish Maxim every success in this challenge and please vote for him if you’re able to.”
The Breakthrough Facebook post of Maxim’s submission is available to view via: facebook.com/reel/1334821581154931
His YouTube submission is available to view via: youtube.com/watch?v=UKKdIDlX4dM
More information about the Breakthrough Junior Challenge is available via: breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org
