STEM experts support prestigious competition
We are delighted to reveal the 13 VIP judges who are joining the judging panel for The Bang Competition 2026.
This year’s VIP judges come from a diverse range of backgrounds and fields within STEM, from engineering experts and inspiring scientists to up and coming innovators including past winners! UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023 and 2024, Ranita Ariyibi and Pacha Pritchard join the panel, alongside first-time judge Matt Green AKA The Rapping Science Teacher.
During the judging process finalists will have the opportunity to talk through their STEM project with a VIP judge.
This year's VIP panel
The panel includes:
- Ainsley Carnarvon, Digital Education Strategic Programme Manager at the Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre
- Andy Cowan, Avionics Chief Engineer at Chelton Ltd
- Helena Dodd, Scientific Adviser for the UK Civil Service
- Jessica Gagen, Sales Engineer for a global aerospace company
- Alice Goodwin, Aviation Ambassador and Engineering Manager at Department for Transport
- Amber Shand, former software engineer turned global speaker and founder of She Bytes Back
- Mike Sewart, visionary leader in technology at Thales
- Dr Jess Wade, Royal Society University Research Fellow and Lecturer at Imperial College London
- Mark Wood, active STEM Ambassador and member of strategic boards for OCR, The Inclusion Collective and EngineeringUK’s Business & Industry Panel
- Emily Xu, a Management Consultant and Imperial College Kingsbury Scholar and UK Young Scientist of the Year 2018
- Matt Green, Tiktok creator, TV broadcaster, author and business owner
- Pacha Pritchard, UK Young Engineer of the Year 2024 and student
- Ranita Ariyibi, UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023 and student
Amber Shand commented: “I'm so honoured to be judging The Big Bang Competition because I know first-hand how transformative STEM can be. I taught myself to code during the pandemic and it completely changed my career trajectory. What excites me most about judging is seeing young people tackle real-world problems with creativity and seeing just how much work they've put into it.”
Alice Goodwin commented: “I’m excited about The Big Bang Competition because it shows how engineering and science can genuinely make the world a better place. Engineering is about solving real problems and driving positive change. Competitions like this give young people the confidence to see themselves as innovators and change-makers.”
Ranita Ariyibi commented: “I am so excited to be on the judging panel this year! I know we’ll be met with talent, enthusiasm and a difficult job of deciding the winners out of many fantastic projects. STEM competitions like The Big Bang Competition are important because they allow young people to think creatively, build or research ideas they are passionate about.
The chance to present to industry-experts is also invaluable in furthering interest and gaining insight into STEM subjects. For anyone thinking of entering - think big, be curious and be courageous!"
The Big Bang Fair
Competition entrants are invited to showcase their projects to industry professionals, employers, and other young people at The Big Bang Fair (9 to 11 June 2026). Winners of The Competition will be crowned at an exciting awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair on 9 June.
Could you volunteer as a judge?
We need more scientists, engineers, and tech professionals to help us crown this year’s winners by volunteering as judges.
Signing up to be a judge is a simple, fun and rewarding way to help make an impact. You only need to give a limited amount of your time (around 8 hours, online) and full training is provided. It’s a chance to inspire young people, see incredible STEM ideas first-hand, and share your expertise without a big commitment.
The deadline to register for volunteering is Thursday 19 February.
I'm so honoured to be judging The Big Bang Competition because I know first-hand how transformative STEM can be. I taught myself to code during the pandemic and it completely changed my career trajectory. What excites me most about judging is seeing young people tackle real-world problems with creativity and seeing just how much work they've put into it.
— Amber Shand, founder of She Bytes Back
