Big Bang

The Big Bang is a national programme which celebrates Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers. We deliver the programme across the South West region hosting several events throughout the year to inspire young people and showcase STEM employers from the region. In the last three years we have reached over 39,000 young people.

Our flagship event, The Big Bang Fair South West is the largest regional celebration of STEM careers. The Big Bang Fair South West 2019 hosted a range of exciting elements under one roof including; a show stage featuring engaging live science shows, a range of hands on activities from the most prominent STEM employers across the region, interactive workshops and the chance to find out about STEM career opportunities. The event is open to primary, secondary and home schooled children.

The event also celebrates and recognises student’s STEM projects. During the day we will host the South West regional heats of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition, culminating in a glittering awards ceremony, with the winners progressing on to the national finals the following March at the NEC, Birmingham. A range of other STEM innovation awards are on offer too looking at things like communication, creativity and digital skills.

This event is free to attend.

Registrations

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Contact us

Email BigBang@cswgroup.co.uk
Tel 01392 215 501
Follow us on twitter @TBB_SouthWest

Sponsoring and Exhibiting at the Big Bang South West Regional Fair

Are you a business that works with Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM)?

Do you want fantastic exposure to the next generation of STEM brilliance?

Our regional event gives students the opportunity to see what their futures could hold through inspirational interactive exhibits from a variety of dynamic and innovative businesses like yours.

Be part of something big  – Inspire, Invigorate and Get Excited!

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? Check out our opportunities pack here.

Alternatively, email bigbang@cswgroup.co.uk or phone us on 01392 215501

The Big Bang Competition

Whether it’s a brand new project, or has been completed as part of another competition, all science, technology, engineering and maths projects are welcome. The Big Bang Competition is open to all 11-18-year olds in full-time education or training. Through the process of undertaking a project, we want them to build on and develop their skills and gain confidence and enthusiasm to take their journey with STEM even further.

Why enter? 

• Allow young people to explore an area of interest and develop independent learning skills
• Compete for over £20,000 worth of amazing prizes, including the chance to be crowned GSK UK Young Engineer or GSK UK Young Scientist of the Year
• Opportunities to network with like-minded peers and STEM employers
• Boost profile of achievement on UCAS form or college application

How to get started

The project can be on any topic in the field of STEM and the options are limitless! Here are some particularly intriguing science project titles we’ve had over the years:

• What is a bird’s favourite colour?
• Should we trust artificial intelligence with our lives?
• How well do we wash our hands?

We’ve also seen many brilliant engineering inventions and designs entered into the Competition and these ideas often stem from where a student has spotted a problem in their community or even in their own homes that they want to try and tackle – be it reducing waste or improving disabled accessibility.

Find out more in The Big Bang Competition Get Started Guide.

2020 Sponsors

Headline Sponsors

Specsavers

Optical Group is a global retailer, which operates in ten countries including in the UK, Ireland, Australasia, Spain and northern Europe. The group of over 2000 individual businesses offers optical and audiology services and sells glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. It also sells hearing products.

Platinum Sponsors 

“The Construction and Built Environment Zone” supported by Building Greater Exeter and Building Plymouth 

Building Plymouth is a council-led partnership that connects local people with career opportunities in the varied world of construction and the built environment in Plymouth. With over 10,000 jobs needed in the city over the next five years, Building Plymouth aims to match employers with a highly skilled workforce to transform the city and beyond.

Building Greater Exeter is focussed on supporting the construction sector across Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge to address the skills and recruitment challenges it faces. Building Greater Exeter is designed to support the construction sector to meet its skilled labour requirements, now, and in the future.

Gold Sponsors 

Babcock

Babcock is a leading provider of critical, complex engineering services which support national defence, save lives and protect communities. Bacock are partnered with the UK Government in 2018 to promote STEM careers and inspire the next generation of engineers. By joining activities, initiatives and events across the country  our focus throughout the year was to change common perceptions about working in engineering and encourage more young people into STEM.

UK Hydrographic Office

The UK Hydrographic Office is a leading centre for hydrography, providing marine geospatial data to inform maritime decisions. We work with a wide range of data suppliers and partners to support maritime navigation, safety, security and marine development around the UK and worldwide.

As a digital-first organisation, we are looking to attract talented individuals interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, focussing on the marine environment. We retain and nurture our staff in a wide range of careers from hydrography and marine science to data science and software development.

2020 Exhibitors

Argans Ltd

ASM Assembly Systems

Babock

BAM Nuttall

Bournemouth University

Building Greater Exeter

Building Plymouth

City College Plymouth

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Devon County Council

Environment Agency

Hinkley Point C Project

Institution of Civil Engineers

Numatic International

Space Odyssey

Specsavers

The Focus Training Group

The VRVE

Trinity School

University of South Wales

Wessex Archaeology

The Big Bang @ Weston

We will be celebrating STEM by the sea in Weston Super Mare. For a third year running Big Bang @ Weston hosts a range of exciting hands on activities from the most prominent STEM employers across the region all under one roof at the Winter Gardens on the sea front.  

Please click here to find out more about the Big Bang @ Weston

See the highlights from The Big Bang South West 2019

In 2019 we featured on BBC Spotlight – check out the feature below