A STUDENT from Wales has scooped an award in The Big Bang Competition, a prestigious nationwide competition for young engineers, scientists and technologists.
Oleksandr Zhuravel, a year 10 student from Fitzalan High School in Cardiff, won the Intermediate Science award for his ‘Effect of washing mode on microfiber emission from polyester textiles’ project. He explored how everyday washing habits affect microplastic pollution from synthetic clothing.
Oleksandr’s investigation identified that using a delicate wash cycle reduced microfiber release by around 30%. Inspired by his discovery that washing machines are a significant source of ocean microplastics, his project highlighted a simple way households can reduce pollution.
The winners of The Competition, which recognises and rewards talented young innovators, were announced at an awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair. The Fair is the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people held at Birmingham’s NEC over June 9 to June 11. Run by EngineeringUK, The Fair is supported by organisations across the engineering and STEM sector including major supporter Rolls-Royce, easyJet, EDF Energy, Royal Aeronautical Society, The Wildlife Trust, University of Cambridge and V&A museum.
All the finalists impressed the Competition judges, who commended them on their innovative projects.
Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK who run The Competition said: “Massive congratulations to Oleksandr and all the winners and runners-up.
“Their curiosity and creativity have driven them to produce some brilliant STEM projects addressing some really big societal problems.
“They should all be very proud of their dedication and hard work. Competitions like The Big Bang Competition help young people connect their passions with making a real-world difference, it shows young people a future in engineering and technology is possible for them.”
To find out more and discover all the winners and runners-up of The Big Bang Competition 2026, click here.
To find out more about The Big Bang Fair, which ran at Birmingham’s NEC from June 9 to June 11, 2026, visit The Big Bang Competition website.
