The Big Bang is the UK’s first national fair celebrating young people’s achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). This Fair aims to encourage more young people to consider a future working in these environments. It will take place from the 4th to 6th March 2009 QE2 conference centre in London and it represents an unprecedented partnership of the UK's science and engineering communities.

The Science Council is working with its member bodies and partner organisations to bring together displays that showcase the interdisciplinarity of science.  These will explore some of the issues and challenges that face society now and in the future and show how the knowledge gained from studying STEM will enable young people to be part of the innovation that will find solutions.

Within the Fair there will be projects from the new National Science Competition and associated displays produced by young scientists and engineers.

Also at the Fair will be a Careers Zone.  The Science Council is working with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and others, and will be able to investigate where STEM subjects could take them in their future. 

Young people will be able to quiz a range of role models about their jobs and experiences of education or get some on the spot advice from careers professionals.  They can visit the “cinema” to watch a range of case studies, get stuck in with one of the range of activities provided and explore the Future Morph website.

Sir Tom McKillop President of the Science Council and Diana Garnham Chief Executive, celebrate the Big Bang Parliamentary Reception, held on Tuesday January 27th, updating supporters on the latest developments in the build up to The Big Bang