A STUDENT has received the inaugural Steve Bowden award – set-up in memory of a former Barry resident.

Steve Bowden, who lived in Barry for many years, was passionate about learning – he was Chair of the Board of Trustees for Techniquest and a teacher.

Following his death earlier this year Mr Bowden’s wife, Mrs Allison Bowden, set up an award which will be presented annually to a Year 13 student who has taken part in the Nuffield Research Placement (NRP) programme, which is administered for Wales by Techniquest.

This year the debut award was given to Yasin Labib of Fitzallan High School, Cardiff, as part of the celebration and certification ceremony for students who took part in the programme.

67 students completed a placement, which involved working with a researcher on an engaging, real-life research or development project, writing an academic report and producing a scientific poster.

Mrs Bowden was pleased that the award could be made to a student from the Nuffield Research Placement project and said: “It feels like such a perfect fit, as widening participation is the main driver of the NRP Programme and Steve was always proud that the scheme gives students from schools in disadvantaged areas the opportunity to participate on a research project.”

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CEO of Techniquest, Lesley Kirkpatrick, added: “We’re delighted to be able to present this award on behalf of Alli and in Steve’s memory.

“The annual gift of £1,000 will go towards the successful student’s university fund, to help them with their educational progress - and will hopefully be an encouragement to them for all their hard work and commitment made on their Nuffield placement.

“We know Steve would have been proud of the efforts of all those who’ve taken part in the programme and being able to offer an award for the student creating the best report means he will always be an integral part of inspiring students to strive for a better future, for them and for others.”

Details of the Nuffield Research Placement programme and how to apply to be one of next year’s students will be live on the Techniquest website towards the end of this month [October].