Cornwall Schools Win National Science Awards for Environmental and Research Projects

Awards for Outstanding Research

Students from Callington Community College and Camborne Science and International Academy have been recognised nationally for their groundbreaking work tackling real-world scientific challenges. Both schools took home major honours at the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) Awards 2025, held at the Francis Crick Institute in London on Thursday 17th October.

Callington Community College students won the Positive Impact Award for their research into biodiversity in their local area. Their projects focused on two pressing environmental issues: acidification in coastal rock pools and the decline of salmon populations in the River Tamar.

One team even found gaps in official data collection and went a step further by making recommendations to their local council to address the environmental threats they identified.

Hannah, from Callington College, said:

“The River Tamar is a really big part of Cornwall and Devon and if that starts to be affected by the amount of salmon, because they’re an indicator species, it could have a massive effect on how Cornwall and Devon work.”

Finley, also from Callington, added:

“We’re growing up into a world which is facing these problems and so it’s quite important that we try to fix them…because that’s the world we’re going to be living in.”

📷Camborne - Best Research Project

Innovation in Technology

At the same event, Connor, from Camborne Science and International Academy, received the Best Research Project Award for his ambitious and original study on improving the discovery of people caught in avalanches.

Connor trained a machine-learning algorithm on stock images to assess risk, with the goal of implementing the software on drones to reduce the time it takes to locate people in danger. Judges praised his ability to adapt his project using feedback and his resilience in developing something with real-world application.

Connor said:

“AI is inconclusive, there are always newer technologies being developed constantly. You can’t go into it with a definite plan.”

Connor’s teacher, Hannah Baker, was also highly commended in the Outstanding Teacher category.

Hannah said:

“This is the way to teach science. Trying to show [the students] those real-life examples is really important.”

Inspiring Future Researchers

The IRIS Awards brought together students and teachers from across the UK to celebrate the power of student-led research. The evening highlighted how science in schools can go beyond the classroom, helping students make a real difference to society.

Professor Tom Welton OBE, from Imperial College London, delivered a keynote speech about the importance of research, inspiring attendees with his words on sustainability and innovation.

Dr Jo Foster, Director of IRIS, said:

“All young people deserve opportunities to do real research in school. Our projects allow them to use their curiosity and develop collaboration and problem-solving skills that are vital if we are to build a thriving STEM workforce. What we’ve seen from these young people tonight is so impressive. These are the young researchers solving the problems of tomorrow.”

About IRIS

The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) is a UK charity dedicated to transforming education by involving young people aged 11–18 in authentic research and innovation. It provides free opportunities for students to take part in cutting-edge STEM projects in collaboration with leading universities and institutions.

More information can be found at https://researchinschools.org/

📷Callington - Positive Impact